"Early on I saw the repression and idolatry of Stalinism, and when it cracked, I was open to religion again"
- Lionel Blue
About this Quote
This quote by Lionel Blue reflects his experience of growing up in a Stalinist society. He was exposed to the overbearing and idolatrous nature of Stalinism from a young age, and when the program eventually collapsed, he was open to exploring religious beliefs once again. This quote speaks to the power of oppressive programs to suppress spiritual expression and the potential for liberation when those programs are overthrown. It likewise speaks to the resilience of faith and the power of religion to endure even in the most overbearing of scenarios. Lionel Blue's experience is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith to withstand even in the face of terrific hardship.
"Well, I think any time you delve into this sort of religion, politics, as you well know, you're going to, you know, touch a few nerves. I wasn't - now - and this is the honest truth"
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite"
"War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity, it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it"
"It's not just the effect of technology on the environment, on religion, on the economic structure, on society, on politics, etc. It's that everything now exists in technology to the point where technology is the new and comprehensive host of nature of life"
"Art is exalted above religion and race. Not a single solitary soul these days believes in the religions of the Assyrians, the Egyptians and the Greeks... Only their art, whenever it was beautiful, stands proud and exalted, rising above all time"