We have wasted our spirit in the regions... by Alexander Herzen | We Heart Quotes

World Writer philosopher Contemplation political thinker

We have wasted our spirit in the regions of the abstract and general just as the monks let it wither in the world of prayer and contemplation.

- Alexander Herzen

Other quotes by Alexander Herzen

Future Nothing

If nations always moved from one set of furnished rooms to another - and always into a better set - things might be easier, but the trouble is that there is no one to prepare the new rooms. The future is worse than the ocean - there is nothing there.

- Alexander Herzen

History Men Will

Modern Western thought will pass into history and be incorporated in it, will have its influence and its place, just as our body will pass into the composition of grass, of sheep, of cutlets, and of men.

- Alexander Herzen

Government

Liberalism, austere in political trifles, has learned ever more artfully to unite a constant protest against the government with a constant submission to it.

- Alexander Herzen

Civilization First

Slavery is the first step towards civilization. In order to develop it is necessary that things should be much better for some and much worse for others, then those who are better off can develop at the expense of others.

- Alexander Herzen

Science Right Life

Science, which cuts its way through the muddy pond of daily life without mingling with it, casts its wealth to right and left, but the puny boatmen do not know how to fish for it.

- Alexander Herzen

Morality Violence Will

All religions have based morality on obedience, that is to say, on voluntary slavery. That is why they have always been more pernicious than any political organization. For the latter makes use of violence, the former - of the corruption of the will.

- Alexander Herzen

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