The Russian yearning for the meaning of life is the major theme of our literature, and this is the real point of our intelligentsia's existence.
Utopias now appear much more realizable than one used to think. We are now faced with a different new worry: How to prevent their realization.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a shift in perspective regarding utopian ideals, suggesting that while they now seem achievable, the concern has moved to managing their potential consequences.
Nikolai Berdyaev's quote highlights the evolution of thought about utopias from mere dreams to attainable realities. In contemporary society, as advancements in technology and social structures make utopian ideals possible, the focus has shifted to the potential drawbacks and ethical dilemmas of bringing these ideals to fruition. The quote invites reflection on the implications of striving for a perfect society and the responsibilities that accompany such ambitions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the future of artificial intelligence and its societal impacts.
More from Nikolai Berdyaev
All quotes βFreedom is the power to create out of nothing, the power of the spirit to create out of itself.
There is a tragic clash between Truth and the world. Pure undistorted truth burns up the world.
God is a reality of spirit He cannot be conceived as an object, not even as the very highest object. God is not to be found in the world of objects.
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Everlastingly chained to a single little fragment of the Whole, man himself develops into nothing but a fragment; everlastingly in his ear the monotonous sound of the wheel that he turns, he never develops the harmony of his being, and instead of putting the stamp of humanity upon his own nature, he becomes nothing more than the imprint of his occupation or of his specialized knowledge.
Gender is not an easy conversation to have. It makes people uncomfortable, sometimes even irritable. Both men and women are resistant to talk about gender or are quick to dismiss the problems of gender. Because thinking of changing the status quo is always uncomfortable.
It is certain that the easy and obvious philosophy will always, with the generality of mankind, have preference above the accurate.
One cannot in the nature of things expect a little tree that has been turned into a club to put forth leaves.
One of our defects as a nation is a tendency to use what have been called "weasel words."
A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing.