In art class at school we learned how to draw tanks and…
![“In art class at school we learned how to draw tanks and soldiers opening fire at [Iranian leader Ayatollah] Khomeini and his beard. They didn't teach us the names of the flowers that grew around us in the city - wild flowers of all kinds and all colors. The math teacher used to whip the kids with…” quote by Hassan Blasim](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/322/hassan-blasim-14317_all-kinds_in-art-class-at-school-we-learned-how-to_1258039.jpg)
“In art class at school we learned how to draw tanks and soldiers opening fire at [Iranian leader Ayatollah] Khomeini and his beard. They didn't teach us the names of the flowers that grew around us in the city - wild flowers of all kinds and all colors. The math teacher used to whip the kids with his trouser belt. My father was constantly violent toward my mother for the most trivial reasons.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War and oppression erase everyday beauty, while violence becomes normalized in education and family life.
In simple terms: Conflict hides simple joys.
Key Takeaway
Seek and protect small beauties.
Themes
war
oppression
family
education
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- conflict zones
- schools under authoritarian rule
- abusive households
Key Concepts
trauma
cultural erasure
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies restore appreciation for ordinary beauty?
- What role does education play in perpetuating violence?
A Different Perspective
Survivors may struggle to find hope amid pervasive trauma.