- Orwell highlights that the review by George Orwell of Bertrand Russell's 'Power: A New Social Analysis' is more than a book review, offering insights relevant again in 2026.
- Orwell notes the era lacks a liberal intelligentsia and is dominated by 'bully-worship,' making truisms like 'a machine-gun remains a machine-gun' into dangerous heresies.
- Russell's analysis of power types (priestly, oligarchical, dictatorial) is praised, but his solutions are seen as weak, as he emphasizes democracy, economic equality, and tolerance without explaining how to achieve them.
- Orwell critiques Russell's faith that common sense and truth will ultimately prevail, questioning this in an age of organized lying and state-controlled media.
- The review concludes that Russell's intellectual chivalry and immunity to fashionable bunk make his book valuable, despite its flaws.