It is graduation time in my town and I happened upon Aleksandr Solzenitsyn's commencement speech he gave at Harvard in 1978. His words ring true today.
His words were a warning to the west of the dangers of materialism and the dangers of legalizing immorality in the name of freedom. He put much blame on the media for this situation, "The press is more powerful than the President, the Congress or the judiciary community. Americans have a right not to have their divine souls stuffed with gossip, nonsense and vain talk." He warned that our spiritual life, "our most precious possession" is damaged by the media.
Solzenitzyn was born in Russia in 1918 and raised in the Russian Orthodox Church, a crime in Russia. He wrote a letter to a friend critical of Stalin that caused him to be sent to Siberia and prison camp for eight years, which was usually a death sentence. After the prison camp he was put on a plane and sent into permanent exile, not his choice. He lived in the USA for many years, returning to Russia in 1994 to live in a house on ten acres given to him.
What an amazing life he led from Siberian prison to Nobel Prize. He warned the West of the dangers of spiritual emptiness and called for a return to the teachings of the Christian faith.
Bounce wearing his LED collar for walking at night with his mom, that's me.
For those who like to giggle, I just bought "The 2,320 Most Hilarious Quips and One-Liners" and I will be sharing some here in future posts. In such serious times I crave lots of giggles. Here is one: "The hardest years in life are those between 10 and 70." Helen Hayes at 73.
And one more funny: "You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!" Dave Barry
I had never heard of this man or his commencement speech. So happy you posted what you did. He was point on and we all need to be reminded of what lies ahead if we don't change.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong man. He took some real danger and created such profound words. It amazes me that he survived.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I like your giggles, especially the one about saying things to your dog. That's so true.
ReplyDeleteI never knew the story of Solzenitsyn's life. Thank you for sharing this with us and his words of wisdom and warning for us today. Oh, that men would take heed and act accordingly before it is too late. Our country is in a spiraling downfall that is leading to ruin if we don't wake up soon! Love the LED collar for Bounce! I can imagine how fun that must be to watch him "bounce" while walking in the dark! Thank you also for the "giggles". Those were good. Helen Hayes was a wise woman! Have a blessed rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteI like the funnies but the words of Aleksandr Solzenitsyn ring very true today. I fear of where the world is going to end up, but I don't fear what will happen to Christians.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Thanks for sharing the wisdom of Aleksandr Solzenitsyn. I will have to look up his speech.
ReplyDeleteHe was a very wise man!
ReplyDeleteDearest Terra,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we ought to learn so much from the personal insights and also warnings by Aleksandr Solzenitsyn!
But it is far easier to use the media for brainwashing of the masses.
May God help us and prevent any further decline of the soul and abandoning morals.
Hugs,
Mariette
I'm very impressed about the true vision of this great artist! He saw the actual sitiuation! He dis not loose the love for his contry, though he had so much to suffer, because he was in deep faith. Thank you for blogging this, dear Terra!
ReplyDeleteBounce is a nice night-dog :))))
A very wise man.
ReplyDeleteHe is extremely lucky to have lived.
ReplyDeleteA wise man. His words about the media are even truer these days.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately no one seems to look at the lessons from the past anymore. I love that collar!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading some of Solzenitzyn's novels way back in my teens.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this man before but he has some wise words for us all.
ReplyDeleteBounce looks very cute in his LED collar
Such wisdom! Love the collar and the cute Bounce! Also, my two dogs always seem to be amused or amazed by the things I say. (Actually, I think they are just humoring me for a treat.)
ReplyDeletethank you for reminding me of great writer dear Terra
ReplyDeletei think he was great thinker and could foresee the future . changes in societies and cultures are inevitable no matter how hard we try because media is the unstoppable power ot bring it on and spread it over like tsunami . i have witnessed how disastrous the some changes can be brought by media specially regarding human psyche and basic behaviors among family system .such things have been contaminated by media and exaggeration in shows unfortunately .
i enjoyed the collar :) and i enjoyed the funny quote :)))
will be looking forward to your more funny quotes :)
blessings and best wishes
That is a long walk in life..... from Siberian prison to Nobel Prize.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such profound words.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com