Superstition Quote by Leo Tolstoy
““The dreadful superstition that it is possible to foresee the future shape of society serves to justify all kinds of violence in the name of that structure. It is enough for a person to free his thoughts, even temporarily, of this superstition and to look sincerely and seriously at the life of the nation for it to become clear to him that acceptance of the need to oppose evil with violence is nothing other than the justification people give to their habitual and favourite vices: vengeance, avarice, envy, ambition, pride, cowardice and spite.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: What Is Art? (or similar philosophical writing) by Leo Tolstoy, 1897
Believing we can predict society’s future justifies violence; freeing thought reveals that violence is a cover for personal vices.
In simple terms: Predicting society fuels violence; free thought exposes true motives.
Key Takeaway
Question societal narratives.
Themes
politics
violence
prediction
morality
vice
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- media consumption
- public policy debates
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
determinism
free will
ethical justification
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions about the future guide your actions?
- How can you challenge violent justifications?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated beliefs is difficult and may meet resistance.
