George Orwell

George Orwell (1903–1950) wrote novels, essays, and journalism, but his most influential work for writers may be “Politics and the English Language” (1946). His argument: sloppy language enables sloppy thinking; vague phrases are political weapons.

The famous rules — short words over long, cut unnecessary words, avoid passive voice, never use a metaphor you’ve seen in print — are moral prescriptions disguised as style advice. Clarity resists manipulation.

His essays model what he preaches: plain style, concrete nouns, active verbs. No fog. Writing as if you’re accountable for every sentence.