We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.

The quote "We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men" by George Orwell reflects his belief in the necessity of reaffirming basic truths when society becomes so corrupt or misguided that people no longer recognize or acknowledge them. Orwell suggests that when the fundamental principles of justice, morality, or reason are ignored or overlooked, it becomes the responsibility of intelligent individuals to remind others of what should be self-evident. The need to restate the obvious highlights the decay of public discourse, where clarity and truth are obscured by confusion or propaganda.

Orwell’s statement is often interpreted as a critique of societal conditions where individuals or governments deliberately distort or suppress the truth, making it necessary for thoughtful and rational people to speak up and correct the record. The restatement of the obvious becomes a way of fighting against the deception and misinformation that clouds people's understanding of important issues. Orwell implies that this task is not just for philosophers or thinkers but is a duty for all those who value reason and clarity in a time of widespread confusion.

The origin of this quote comes from Orwell’s reflections on totalitarianism and the manipulation of truth in works like 1984. In his writing, Orwell often explored how language and the control of information can shape public perception and distort reality. This quote is consistent with his concern about the consequences of authoritarian regimes that suppress free thought and manipulate basic truths for their own gain.

Ultimately, Orwell’s quote calls for a return to truth and rationality in times when those values are under attack. It encourages individuals to speak out and reaffirm what is obvious but often ignored, understanding that doing so is not merely an intellectual exercise but a moral imperative. By doing so, intelligent individuals can help steer society away from ignorance and towards a more enlightened, truthful path.