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You have to remember, Kanai, she said at length, that as a…

“You have to remember, Kanai, she said at length, that as a young man Nirmal was in love with the idea of revolution. Men like that, even when they turn their backs on their party and their comrades, can never let go of the idea: it's the secret god that rules their hearts. It is what makes them…” quote by Amitav Ghosh
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““You have to remember, Kanai, she said at length, that as a young man Nirmal was in love with the idea of revolution. Men like that, even when they turn their backs on their party and their comrades, can never let go of the idea: it's the secret god that rules their hearts. It is what makes them come alive; they revel in the danger, the exquisite pain. It is to them what childbirth is to a woman, or war to mercenary.””

Amitav Ghosh

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A revolutionary’s love for upheaval fuels his existence, equating it to profound experiences like childbirth or war.

In simple terms: Revolutionaries are driven by the idea of upheaval, feeling alive in danger.

Key Takeaway

Understand the allure of radical ideas for some individuals.

Themes

revolution ideology danger passion identity

Mood

intense reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • radical movements
  • personal crises

Key Concepts

political theory psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do some cling to destructive ideals?
  • How can societies channel such passion constructively?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing violence can ignore its human cost.

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