Identity Quote by Stacy Schiff
““Evsei Slonim would have seen himself as a member of the intelligentsia, a classless class whose features Nabokov described as""the spirit of self-sacrifice, intense participation in political causes or political thought, intense sympathy for the underdog of any nationality, fanatical integrity, tragic inability to sink to compromise, true spirit of international responsibility.””
About This Quote
The intelligentsia, as described by Nabokov, embodies self‑sacrifice, political engagement, empathy for the oppressed, unwavering integrity, and a refusal to compromise, reflecting a global moral responsibility.
In simple terms: Intelligentsia values self‑sacrifice, political activism, empathy, integrity, and global responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate integrity and empathy while resisting compromise.
Themes
ethics
political activism
global responsibility
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic work
- activism
- journalism
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
intelligentsia
integrity
empathy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance integrity with practical compromise?
- What responsibilities do you feel toward global issues?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic standards can be unrealistic, leading to burnout or alienation.
![“Well, I guess [2001: A Space Odyssey] legitimized [science fiction], particularly for people who looked down on science fiction; you know, the intelligentsia. My definition of the intelligentsia: someone who's educated beyond their intelligence.” quote by Arthur C. Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7d/arthur-c-clarke-640_fiction_well-i-guess-2001-a-space-odyssey-legiti_447038.jpg)
![“Véra assumed her married name almost as a stage name; rarely has matrimony so much represented a profession. It was one of the ironies of the life that – born at a time and place where women could and did lay claim to all kinds of ambitions – she should elevate the role of wife to a high art. […]…” quote by Stacy Schiff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/30f/stacy-schiff-7881_art_v-ra-assumed-her-married-name-almost-as_231770.jpg)
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
