"The first revolt is against the supreme tyranny of theology, of the phantom of God. As long as we have a master in heaven, we will be slaves on earth"
- Mikhail Bakunin
About this Quote
This quote by Mikhail Bakunin speaks with the power of religious beliefs and its ability to manage and oppress people. He is suggesting that the first step to flexibility is to reject the concept of a higher power, or a "phantom of God". He believes that as long as individuals think in a greater power, they will stay enslaved to it. He is promoting for a rejection of the concept of a greater power in order to acquire freedom and autonomy. He is recommending that by declining the concept of a higher power, individuals can acquire the flexibility to make their own decisions and live their own lives. He is also recommending that by declining the concept of a higher power, individuals can get the freedom to think and act for themselves, without the impact of a higher power. Bakunin's quote speaks to the power of religious beliefs and its capability to control and oppress individuals, and he is advocating for a rejection of the concept of a higher power in order to gain liberty and autonomy.
"As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that thank Heaven nobody is reporting in this fashion on us"
"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it"
"Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows"
