I am truly horrified by modern man. Such absence of feeling, such narrowness of outlook, such lack of passion and information, such feebleness of thought.
Alexander HerzenRead
I believe in nothing here, except a handful of people, a few ideas, and the fact that one cannot arrest movement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a belief in the intrinsic value of relationships and ideas amidst the inevitable progression of life.
In this quote, Alexander Herzen expresses a deep skepticism about the world while emphasizing the importance of personal connections and meaningful ideas. He acknowledges that, despite his doubts, he values a small circle of people and a few profound thoughts, highlighting the futility of trying to stop the natural flow of life. This viewpoint resonates with the inevitability of change and the enduring significance of human relationships.
Themes
SkepticismRelationshipsIdeasChangeMovement
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy class discussion on existentialism.
More from Alexander Herzen
All quotes βUnaware of the absurdity of it, we introduce our own petty household rules into the economy of the universe for which the life of generations, peoples, of entire planets, has no importance in relation to the general development.
Alexander HerzenRead
False gods must be repudiated, but that is not all: The reasons for their existence must be sought beneath their masks.
Alexander HerzenRead
History is the autobiography of a madman.
Alexander HerzenRead
Every man who has lived for fifty years has buried a whole world or even two; he has grown used to its disappearance and accustomed to the new scenery of another act: but suddenly the names and faces of a time long dead appear more and more often on his way, calling up series of shades and pictures kept somewhere, "just in case," in the endless catacombs of the memory, making him smile or sigh, and sometimes almost weep.
Alexander HerzenRead
There is nothing in the world more stubborn than a corpse: you can hit it, you can knock it to pieces, but you cannot convince it.
Alexander HerzenRead
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Sogyal RinpocheRead