“ A high level of education and science is only possible for great intellects, and they are not wanted. ”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Demons (1872). copy citation
Author | Fyodor Dostoyevsky |
---|---|
Source | Demons |
Topic | education science |
Date | 1872 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by Constance Garnett in 1916 |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/8117/8117-h/8117-h.htm |
Context
“All are slaves and equal in their slavery. In extreme cases he advocates slander and murder, but the great thing about it is equality. To begin with, the level of education, science, and talents is lowered. A high level of education and science is only possible for great intellects, and they are not wanted. The great intellects have always seized the power and been despots. Great intellects cannot help being despots and they’ve always done more harm than good. They will be banished or put to death. Cicero will have his tongue cut out, Copernicus will have his eyes put out, Shakespeare will be stoned—that’s Shigalovism.”
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