Weapons - “You and the Atomic Bomb”
Orwell admits, “ages in which the dominant weapon is expensive or difficult to make will tend to be ages of despotism, whereas when the dominant weapon is cheap and simple, the common people have a chance. Thus, for example, tanks, battleships and bombing planes are inherently tyrannical weapons, while rifles, muskets, long-bows and hand-grenades are inherently democratic weapons." Weapons are indispensable in the modern epoch. Through weapons, individuals and countries are empowered to protect themselves. Nation's military strengths are gauged by the caliber of weapons that they possess. Both mighty and less mighty countries require nations as part of their security.
Virtues - “Reflections on Gandhi”
Orwell explains, "Although no doubt he was shrewd enough in detecting dishonesty, he seems wherever possible to have believed that other people were acting in good faith and had a better nature through which they could be approached...Colour feeling when he first met it in its worst form in South Africa, seems rather to have astonished him. Even when he was fighting what was in effect a colour war he did not think of people in terms of race or status." Gandhi's public service is governed by virtues which appeal to all people notwithstanding their races. Instead of branding Europeans as enemies for their imperialism and racism, he appeals to them through his virtues which underscore the equivalence of all humans. If Gandhi were a biased individual, he would not have comrades among Europeans. He rises above the factors which divided human beings which unnecessarily divide individuals into races some of which are perceived as inferior and others superior.
Language - “Politics And The English Language”
Orwell expounds, “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation, even among people who should and do know better. The debased language that I have been discussing is in some ways very convenient. Phrases like a not unjustifiable assumption, leaves much to be desired, would serve no good purpose. " Phrases which are utilized in communication can be used to gauge whether an individual is corrupted or not. Inappropriate usage of language can result in the corruption of listeners. Language is key in the spread of various ideologies which could influence audiences both positively and negatively. Therefore, thoughts (both good and adverse) and language are intertwined.
Communication - “Politics And The English Language”
Orwell recommends, “Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print…Never use a long word where a short one will do… If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out….Never use the passive where you can use the active…Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.” The utilization of colloquial expression does not amount to effective communication. Moreover, avoiding clichés would make one’s arguments different and pertinent. Simple words are easy to comprehend; hence, they should not be replaced with complex words. Furthermore, one should be certain about the meaning of various jargon before citing them when communicating.
