Skip to content

Alternatives Quote by Paul Robeson

“Every artist, every scientist, must decide now where he stands. He has no alternative. There is no standing above the conflict on Olympian heights. There are no impartial observers. Through the destruction, in certain countries, of the greatest of man's literary heritage, through the propagation…” quote by Paul Robeson
Download Open image
“Every artist, every scientist, must decide now where he stands. He has no alternative. There is no standing above the conflict on Olympian heights. There are no impartial observers. Through the destruction, in certain countries, of the greatest of man's literary heritage, through the propagation of false ideas of racial and national superiority, the artist, the scientist, the writer is challenged. The struggle invades the formerly cloistered halls of our universities and other seats of learning. The battlefront is everywhere. There is no sheltered rear.”

Paul Robeson

About This Quote

Source Speech: “The Artist and the Scientist” delivered at the 1949 International Congress of Artists, 1949

He asserts that artists and scientists must choose a stance, confronting conflict and false ideologies, as there is no neutral ground in the fight for truth.

In simple terms: Artists and scientists must take a stand against falsehoods.

Key Takeaway

Stand firm against misinformation.

Themes

responsibility truth conflict

Mood

serious urgent

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • artistic expression
  • political activism
  • education reform

Key Concepts

ethical duty intellectual integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do creators have in society?
  • How can one resist ideological pressure?
A Different Perspective

Opposing forces may suppress dissent.

2.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Paul Robeson

Explore all 80 Paul Robeson quotes

More Alternatives quotes

Browse all 1,463 Alternatives quotes