Toga Quote by Meša Selimović
““Ubili su nam riječi koje smo smatrali svetima, prostituisali ih, učinili zastavama pod kojima marširaju gazeći čovjeka. Zar možemo više upotrebljavati riječi bratstvo, mir, solidarnost, sreća, jednakost, ljubav, sloboda. Otete su nam, prešle su u drugi tabor, postale su znamenje nasilja u ovom jedinom svijetu koji nas se tiče, jer drugog nemamo. Treba izmišljati druge riječi, a ne znamo kako i ne znamo koje. Ili da se ponovo sjetimo drevnih: zemlja, narod, življenje. Možda i ćutanje. A možda i: krik, koji neće niko čuti, jer niko nikoga više ne čuje i ne razumije...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Dervish Tales by Meša Selimović, 1963
Words once sacred become symbols of oppression when misused; we must seek new language that restores humanity.
In simple terms: Sacred words can become tools of oppression.
Key Takeaway
Find or revive language that honors dignity.
Themes
language
power
identity
oppression
renewal
Mood
reflective
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- activism
- education
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
semiotics
social construct
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we create language that resists manipulation?
- What words best embody collective hope?
A Different Perspective
New terms may be co-opted, losing original intent.
