Alexander Herzen Quotes
Alexander Ivanovich Herzen was a Russian writer, philosopher, and revolutionary, often called the father of Russian socialism. The illegitimate son of a wealthy nobleman, he was exiled within Russia for his early radical politics before settling permanently in Western Europe in 1847. The quotes below are attributed to Alexander Herzen, organized by topic.
Alexander Herzen on Freedom
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Attributed to Alexander Herzen:
“Liberty is the right that consists in the absence of arbitrary power.”
Alexander Herzen on Life
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Attributed to Alexander Herzen:
“The end of life is life itself, not a goal beyond it.”
Alexander Herzen on Politics
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Attributed to Alexander Herzen:
“We do not change Russia by joining the West; we change Russia by being honest with ourselves.”
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Attributed to Alexander Herzen:
“The Russian commune may yet save Russia from the dead end of European capitalism.”
Alexander Herzen on Time
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Attributed to Alexander Herzen:
“History has no libretto.”