Dictators fall when they're overconfident; they stay in power when they're paranoid.
Masha GessenRead
I think that when you emigrate, when everything you took for granted disappears, it's a kind of loss of innocence. When you're a kid, the world as you know it is just there. Suddenly, you emigrate and that's no longer the case. It's a break in reality that parachutes you into adulthood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Emigrating can lead to a profound shift in one's understanding of the world, marking the end of innocence.
This quote by Masha Gessen reflects on the transformative experience of emigration, suggesting that it brings about a significant change in one's perception of reality. The loss of familiarity and the comforts of home can create a sense of disillusionment, propelling individuals into a more complex and often challenging adulthood, where they must navigate new cultures, norms, and identities.
Themes
EmigrationChangeLossInnocenceAdulthood
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a talk about the challenges and experiences of immigrants.
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