Begging Quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
““You were saying you wanted to open the people's eyes. All right, you just go and open old uncle Anagnosti's eyes for him! You saw how his wife had to behave before him, waiting for his orders, like a dog begging. Just go now and teach them that women have equal rights with men, and that it's cruel to eat a piece of the pig while the pig's still raw and groaning in front of you, and that it's simple lunacy to give thanks to God because he's got everything while you're starving to death!...Let people be, boss: don't open their eyes. And supposing you did, what'd they see? Their misery! Leave their eyes closed, boss, and let them go on dreaming!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Zorba the Greek, 1946
He argues that forcing enlightenment can cause suffering; sometimes ignorance is a kinder state.
In simple terms: Opening eyes may bring pain.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of forced awareness.
Themes
knowledge
ethics
humanity
Mood
critical
questioning
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- education reform
- political activism
- personal growth
Key Concepts
philosophy
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it always right to reveal harsh truths?
- When is ignorance a blessing?
A Different Perspective
Blindness can be a protective illusion.
