“War against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed classes think they are going to profit from it.”
- 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 against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed classes think they are going to profit from it.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell argues that wars are often instigated not by noble causes or ideological reasons but by the interests of the wealthy elite who stand to gain financially from the conflict. Orwell suggests that the moneyed classes—those with economic power and influence—are the ones who ultimately decide whether a war will be fought, and they do so when they believe that they will profit from it, either through resources, trade, or military contracts. This view challenges the more common perception of war as being about national defense, ideological struggles, or humanitarian causes, instead presenting it as a tool for the accumulation of wealth and the maintenance of economic control.
Orwell’s perspective is shaped by his deep skepticism about the ways in which political and economic systems, particularly those driven by capitalism, are influenced by those in power who prioritize profit over human well-being. His experiences with political systems, including his opposition to both fascism and unchecked capitalism, led him to see how war can serve the interests of the elite, often at the expense of ordinary people who bear the brunt of the conflict. In works like 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell critiques how powerful elites manipulate systems, including war, for their own benefit, while using rhetoric and ideology to justify their actions.
This idea remains relevant in the modern world, where military-industrial complexes and the influence of corporate interests often play a significant role in shaping foreign policy and military interventions. Whether in the context of the Iraq War, Vietnam War, or more recent conflicts, it is clear that economic interests—such as access to oil, natural resources, or profitable contracts—are often driving factors behind military actions. Orwell’s quote serves as a reminder that the true motivations behind wars are not always about defense or morality but may be tied to the profit and power of a select few.
