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

This quote by George Orwell is a commentary on the state of society at the time. He is recommending that in a world where the apparent is not being acknowledged, it is the responsibility of intelligent people to speak out and advise others of the reality. He is suggesting that society has actually ended up being so muddled and puzzled that it is necessary to restate the apparent in order to make certain that individuals know the truths. He is also recommending that smart people ought to not hesitate to speak up and challenge the status quo, even if it suggests going versus the grain. By doing so, they can assist to bring clearness and understanding to a circumstance. In essence, Orwell is motivating individuals to think on their own and to not hesitate to speak out when they see something that is incorrect.