

#3200
Mentioned in 8 episodes
Politics and the English Language
Book • 1946
In 'Politics and the English Language', George Orwell argues that vague and imprecise language can obscure truth and manipulate public opinion.
He critiques the 'ugly and inaccurate' written English of his time, particularly in political contexts, where language is used to 'make lies sound truthful and murder respectable'.
Orwell emphasizes the importance of clear and concrete language, suggesting that poor writing fosters poor political thinking and is a danger to society.
He provides examples of bad writing and offers guidelines for effective writing, including six rules to avoid the misuse of language.
Orwell believes that language and thought are interdependent and that improving language can help improve political life.
He critiques the 'ugly and inaccurate' written English of his time, particularly in political contexts, where language is used to 'make lies sound truthful and murder respectable'.
Orwell emphasizes the importance of clear and concrete language, suggesting that poor writing fosters poor political thinking and is a danger to society.
He provides examples of bad writing and offers guidelines for effective writing, including six rules to avoid the misuse of language.
Orwell believes that language and thought are interdependent and that improving language can help improve political life.
Mentioned by























Mentioned in 8 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an essay discussing the use of euphemism and the importance of clear speech.

Laura Beers

32 snips
Why Orwell matters
Mentioned by 

when discussing the phenomenon of scapegoating in society and politics.


Sam Harris

27 snips
#296 — Repairing Our Country
Mentioned by 

when discussing the impact of language on political debates.


Jonah Goldberg

26 snips
The Perónian Swamp
Mentioned by 

when discussing freedom of speech.


Bari Weiss

20 snips
Wrongthink on Race With Glenn C. Loury
Mentioned by 

as an essay by George Orwell.


Dorian Lynskey

19 snips
George Orwell Part 1 – From Eton to Barcelona
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, quoting his essay on the connection between political chaos and the decay of language.

Armando Iannucci

18 snips
We Haven't Always Told Our Story as Well as We Should
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as the source of a quote from his essay.

Angelina Stanford

15 snips
Episode 271: The Literary Life of Peter Hitchens
Mentioned by 

in relation to his essay on political language.


Robinson Erhardt

244 - Norman Finkelstein: Donald J. Trump, Mossad Conspiracies in Israel, and the Dying Left
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in relation to the misuse and abuse of language.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2282: Adam Kirsch on the nonsense of "Settler Colonialism"
Mentioned by 

, referring to its author when discussing manipulation of words in politics.


Mark Levin

7/31/25 - How Census Mistakes Could Shift Congressional Power
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

for his essay on the English language, offering insights into clear and effective writing.

Laura Williams

Laura Williams: Writing for the Real World
Recommended by 

for its insights on language and political manipulation.


Danielle Allen

An inspiring conversation about democracy
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to his essay on political language.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2091: Lilie Chouliaraki on the Weaponization of Victimhood
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing how AI grading systems score essays based on keywords rather than content.

Dave Eggers

Recode Decode: Dave Eggers
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to his essay on the manipulation of language.

Yannic Kilcher

#042 - Pedro Domingos - Ethics and Cancel Culture
Recommended by Parakeet as an essay that everyone should read, highlighting its impact on language and thought.

Skittle Factory Dementia Monkey Titty Monetization with Parakeet (Hyperlegible
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing bureaucratic language and its impact on thought.

Wes Cecil

House of the Intellect - Ep. 3
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

to illustrate how language affects thinking.

Lauren Torres

Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language