Quote by George Orwell
Despotic governments can stand 'moral force' till the cows come home; what they fear is physical force.
Summary
This quote suggests that despotic governments may not be influenced by moral arguments or appeals to their conscience. They are immune to "moral force" and can withstand criticism and demands for change. However, what these governments truly fear and are responsive to is the use of physical force or the threat of violence. They believe that their hold on power can only be challenged or threatened by tangible actions that directly endanger their rule.