Anna Quote by Leo Tolstoy
“At one time,' Golenishchev continued, either not observing or not willing to observe that both Anna and Vronsky wanted to speak, 'at one time a freethinker was a man who had been brought up in the conception of religion, law, and morality, who reached freethought only after conflict and difficulty. But now a new type of born freethinkers has appeared, who grow up without so much as hearing that there used to be laws of morality, or religion, that authorities existed. They grow up in ideas of negation in everything - in other words, utter savages.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Anna Karenina, 1877
Freethinkers once emerged through conflict with established morals, but now many are raised without any moral framework, leading to radical skepticism.
In simple terms: Modern freethinkers often lack exposure to traditional moral teachings, resulting in extreme relativism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of balanced moral education.
Themes
philosophy
morality
education
skepticism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- media influence
- political discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
cultural relativism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies teach critical thinking without imposing dogma?
- What role should tradition play in moral development?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on negation can foster cynicism rather than constructive inquiry.
![“And so [my brother] Gilbert and I, brought up without a formal religion, remained throughout our lifetimes just what Father was, freethinkers. And, likewise, doubters and dissenters and perhaps Utopians. Father's rule had been 'Question everything, take nothing for granted,' and I never outlived…” quote by George Seldes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6bb/george-seldes-50433_association_and-so-my-brother-gilbert-and-i-brought_2435326.jpg)
