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For in a struggle one must have both legs firmly planted…

“For in a struggle one must have both legs firmly planted on the earth. The Party had taught one how to do it. The infinite was a politically suspect quantity, the 'I' a suspect quality. The Party did not recognize its existence. The definition of an individual was: a multitude of one million…” quote by Arthur Koestler
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““For in a struggle one must have both legs firmly planted on the earth. The Party had taught one how to do it. The infinite was a politically suspect quantity, the 'I' a suspect quality. The Party did not recognize its existence. The definition of an individual was: a multitude of one million divided by one million.””

Arthur Koestler

About This Quote

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

The quote critiques totalitarianism that suppresses individuality, reducing people to mere numbers and denying personal identity.

In simple terms: Totalitarian regimes deny personal identity, treating people as numbers.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and protect personal autonomy.

Themes

political oppression individuality totalitarianism

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • education
  • personal development
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society balance collective needs with individual rights?
  • What safeguards protect personal identity in political systems?
A Different Perspective

The quote may oversimplify complex social identities into a single narrative.

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