Believe in miracles Quote by Lev Shestov
““Yet, with all his acuteness, it did not occur to him that Europe was not in the least to blame for his disillusionment. Europe had dropped miracles ages ago; she contented herself with ideals. It is we in Russia who will go on confusing miracles with ideals, as if the two were identical, whereas they have nothing to do with each other. As a matter of fact, just because Europe had ceased to believe in miracles, and realised that all human problems resolve down to mere arrangements here on earth, ideas and ideals had been invented. But the Russian bear crept out of his hole and strolled to Europe for the elixir of life, the flying carpet, the seven-leagued shoes, and so on, thinking in all his naïveté that railways and electricity were signs which clearly proved that the old nurse never told a lie in her fairy tales...””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Meaning of Existence” by Lev Shestov, 1915
Europe abandoned belief in miracles, replacing them with ideas, while Russia mistakenly equates progress with magical solutions, leading to disillusionment.
In simple terms: Europe stopped believing in miracles; Russia confuses progress with fantasy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of idealism and seek realistic solutions.
Themes
disillusionment
culture
progress
idealism
reality
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- philosophical debate
- personal reflection
- historical study
Key Concepts
miracles
ideals
technological optimism
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate genuine progress from fanciful hope?
- What role should tradition play in modern societies?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic expectations can blind societies to practical challenges.
