“We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
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Quote
“We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell expresses his frustration with the state of society or political discourse, suggesting that the most basic truths or clear facts have become so distorted or ignored that it has become necessary for intelligent or rational people to repeatedly restate what should be self-evident. Orwell’s words point to a time when the fundamentals of reason, justice, and common sense are so overlooked or manipulated that those who still hold to these principles must constantly remind others of what is obvious. This suggests a crisis of critical thinking in which essential truths are either lost, deliberately obscured, or disregarded in favor of ideology, propaganda, or personal gain.
Orwell’s concerns were rooted in his experiences with political extremism, totalitarianism, and the manipulation of truth. In works like 1984, Orwell describes a world where the state uses language and propaganda to redefine reality and obscure fundamental truths. In such a world, intelligent individuals must continuously restate the basic principles of freedom, human dignity, and objective reality because these principles have been corrupted or erased by those in power. Orwell’s quote is a call to intellectual vigilance, urging people to resist manipulation and to uphold the importance of clear, truthful communication in the face of overwhelming distortion.
This concept is highly relevant today, especially in an age where misinformation, polarization, and fake news can distort public discourse. In many parts of the world, basic facts are often contested, and truths are manipulated for political purposes. Orwell’s warning reminds us that, in such times, the duty of intelligent people is to reaffirm the obvious truths—that truth matters, that facts are important, and that reason and integrity should always guide public conversation. In a world where fundamental principles are often questioned or manipulated, Orwell’s call to restate the obvious serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and critical thought.
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