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Quote by Ivan Turgenev

Work

Delphi Works of Ivan Turgenev (Illustrated)

The illustrated editions feature Turgenev's classic works, such as 'Fathers and Sons' and 'On the Eve,' accompanied by detailed illustrations that enhance the reader's experience. These editions are part of the Delphi Classics series, which aims to provide high-quality digital reproductions of classic literature. more

Author

Ivan Turgenev
Ivan Turgenev

A renowned Russian novelist, born on November 9, 1818, and died on September 3, 1883. His works deeply depicted the changes in Russian society, particularly focusing on the lives of peasants and nobility. His representative works include 'Notes of a Hunter' and 'Fathers and Sons'. more

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“One time he was asked if he believed in an afterlife. After a moment's hesitation he said no, that he thought there was only "some kind of velvety cool blackness," adding then: "Of course, I admit I may be wrong. It is conceivable that I might well be reborn as a Chinese coolie. In such case I should lodge a protest."”

“I'm a great believer in the hereafter, in karma, in reincarnation. It does make sense. I believe that God is not just a law-giver, but a creative artist. The greatest of all. And what characterises artists is that they want to redo their work. Maybe it didn't come off perfectly, so they want to see it done again, and improved. Reincarnation is a way for God to improve his earlier works.”

“This life is only one of a series of lives which our incarnated part has lived. I have little doubt of our having pre-existed; and that also in the time of our pre-existence we were actively employed. So, therefore, I believe in our active employment in a future life, and I like the thought.”

“It can be shown that an incorporeal and reasonable being has life in itself independently of the body... then it is beyond a doubt bodies are only of secondary importance and arise from time to time to meet the varying conditions of reasonable creatures. Those who require bodies are clothed with them, and contrariwise, when fallen souls have lifted themselves up to better things their bodies are once more annihilated. They are ever vanishing and ever reappearing.”