Historical thought was to deliver man from subjection to a divinity; but this liberation demanded of him the most absolute subjection to historical evolution. The man takes refuge in the permanence of the party in the same way that he formerly prostrated himself before the altar. That is why the era which dares to claim that it is the most rebellious that has ever existed only offers a choice of various types of conformity. The real passion of the twentieth century is servitude.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Modern liberation replaced religious submission with political conformity. True rebellion is rare; most people follow ideologies blindly.
- In plain terms
- People traded worship of God for obedience to parties; claiming rebellion while conforming to ideologies.
- What can you take from it?
- Question political conformity even when it claims to be rebellious.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you following an ideology blindly?
- What does true rebellion look like?
Another view
Ideologies can provide necessary structure and community.
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