Those who “abjure” violence can only do so because others are committing violence on their behalf.

George Orwell (1903-1950) English writer [pseud. of Eric Arthur Blair]

“Notes on Nationalism” Polemic, (Oct. 1945)

Source essay.Commonly misquoted as "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." This is not found in Orwell's works, but was a paraphrase of this and other Orwell writings by Richard Grenier, "Perils of Passive Sex," Washington Times (6 Apr 1973). See here for more information.