Quotation by

George Orwell

Every war when it comes, or before it comes, is represented not as a war but as an act of self-defense against a homicidal maniac.
War

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

George Orwell is saying that before or during a war, the side starting the conflict always claims they are just protecting themselves from a dangerous and violent enemy. This means wars are often justified by portraying the other side as a threat that must be stopped, rather than admitting it is an aggressive attack.

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Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hill…