We sleep peaceably in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Security rests on the willingness of some to use violence for others.
- In plain terms
- We sleep safe because others are ready to fight.
- What can you take from it?
- Peace relies on capacity for violence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is violence necessary?
- How is peace kept?
Another view
It ignores nonviolent sources of safety.
More from George Orwell
Within any important issue, there are always aspects no one wishes to discuss.
Permalink to quote #137 If you want to imagine the future, imagine a boot, stamping on a human face forever.
Permalink to quote #139 During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.
Permalink to quote #136
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