The idea that some turns of phrase can be like a packet of asprins by one's side really hit home today, especially with all the shape-shifting and empty rhetoric we have come to associate with modern politics and indeed journalism. I suppose most people who read Orwell Daily are equally tired of reading between the lines and would much rather have a robust statement that speaks a genuine feeling or belief, than waiting for Toto to pull back the curtain and have it revealed by accident.
"The inflated style is itself a kind of euphemism. A mass of Latin words falls upon the facts like soft snow, blurring the outlines and covering up all the details."
This shows the simple beauty & originality in Orwell's writing. The fact that artistically satisfying writing is achieved along with politically sincere & meaningfully clear purpose is what truly amazes & continues to inspire.
I remember reading "Politics & the English Languages" over & over when I first discovered it.
Insincerity... and the obfuscation of experts. We've reached a point where jargon is routinely used, not to clarify complicated subjects but to muddy the waters in order to slip agendas and bias into the discussion.
Reading Orwell's 'Politics and the English Language' was very clarifying for me concerning modern political and academic speech. In many cases today, language is a class marker and a gatekeeping tool, not a communication mode.
Then there's the issue of outright lying being supported and cheered on... as long as the lies accord with one's worldview. Both things (using vague formalisms to obscure clear meaning, and telling obvious lies which were encouraged by millions who didn't themselves believe them) were on display during Katherine Maher's recent Congressional appearance.
What's more insincere than going before the world and lying about everything you value and believe?
The idea that some turns of phrase can be like a packet of asprins by one's side really hit home today, especially with all the shape-shifting and empty rhetoric we have come to associate with modern politics and indeed journalism. I suppose most people who read Orwell Daily are equally tired of reading between the lines and would much rather have a robust statement that speaks a genuine feeling or belief, than waiting for Toto to pull back the curtain and have it revealed by accident.
"The inflated style is itself a kind of euphemism. A mass of Latin words falls upon the facts like soft snow, blurring the outlines and covering up all the details."
This shows the simple beauty & originality in Orwell's writing. The fact that artistically satisfying writing is achieved along with politically sincere & meaningfully clear purpose is what truly amazes & continues to inspire.
I remember reading "Politics & the English Languages" over & over when I first discovered it.
A great excerpt from a great essay.
Insincerity... and the obfuscation of experts. We've reached a point where jargon is routinely used, not to clarify complicated subjects but to muddy the waters in order to slip agendas and bias into the discussion.
Reading Orwell's 'Politics and the English Language' was very clarifying for me concerning modern political and academic speech. In many cases today, language is a class marker and a gatekeeping tool, not a communication mode.
Then there's the issue of outright lying being supported and cheered on... as long as the lies accord with one's worldview. Both things (using vague formalisms to obscure clear meaning, and telling obvious lies which were encouraged by millions who didn't themselves believe them) were on display during Katherine Maher's recent Congressional appearance.
What's more insincere than going before the world and lying about everything you value and believe?
https://jmpolemic.substack.com/p/katherine-maher