“In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.”
- 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.
Quote
“In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell critiques the state of political language in his time, suggesting that much of the political discourse—whether in speech or writing—is devoted to justifying actions, policies, or ideologies that are morally or logically indefensible. Orwell points out that political figures and institutions often use language not to convey truth or clarity, but to obfuscate, manipulate, or deflect from uncomfortable truths. The phrase “defense of the indefensible” refers to the way political rhetoric is frequently employed to justify actions that are difficult to defend on their own merit, such as oppression, corruption, or injustice. This is often achieved by using vague, misleading, or euphemistic language that makes the unacceptable appear reasonable, acceptable, or necessary.
Orwell’s concern with political language is rooted in his broader critiques of totalitarianism and political manipulation. In works like 1984 and Animal Farm, he explores how language can be used as a tool to control thought, rewrite history, and maintain power. In 1984, for example, the regime uses Newspeak to limit the range of thought and suppress dissent. Orwell’s observation about political speech highlights the distortion of truth through language, where language becomes less about honesty and more about maintaining power by masking uncomfortable realities.
This idea is still highly relevant today, as political speech and media often serve to obscure or justify actions and policies that may be seen as unethical or harmful. Whether in the context of war, economic inequality, environmental issues, or social policies, language is frequently used to justify positions that are difficult to defend. Orwell’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant in examining the language used by politicians and to recognize when words are being used not to clarify or inform, but to defend the indefensible and maintain a false narrative. It encourages a more critical and honest approach to political discourse, where we are not swayed by euphemism and rhetoric, but rather focus on the substance of policies and actions.
