“War is a way of shattering to pieces… materials which might otherwise be used to make the masses too comfortable and… too intelligent.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
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Quote
“War is a way of shattering to pieces… materials which might otherwise be used to make the masses too comfortable and… too intelligent.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell presents war as a tool used by those in power to distract, disempower, and weaken the general population. Orwell suggests that the resources—both material and intellectual—that could otherwise be used to improve the living conditions and educate the masses are instead funneled into the destruction and chaos of war. By doing so, those in power prevent people from becoming too comfortable or too intelligent, as this might lead to a more critical, aware, and empowered populace. Comfort could lead to discontent with the existing order, and intelligence could provoke people to question authority or seek change. War, therefore, serves as a means of maintaining control over the masses by keeping them in a state of crisis, unable to develop their full potential or challenge the status quo.
Orwell’s view of war is deeply shaped by his experiences during the Spanish Civil War and his observations of how totalitarian regimes manipulate and control people. In works like 1984, Orwell critiques the way governments or political powers use conflict and destruction as tools to prevent social progress, intellectual development, and political resistance. War is portrayed not as a tragic event driven by idealistic motives, but as a deliberate means of controlling the population by keeping them distracted, dependent, and unaware.
This idea remains relevant in modern times, as militarization, armed conflicts, and political manipulation continue to shape global events. Whether through military-industrial complexes or the way modern media often focuses on war and violence, there remains a concern about how war is used to divert attention from pressing social issues, economic inequality, or calls for reform. Orwell’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder that war is not just about fighting enemies, but about maintaining power and keeping the masses in a state of disruption, rather than allowing them the stability and intelligence needed to demand change.
