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Quote by Vasily Grossman

“This kindness, this stupid kindness, is what is most truly human in a human being. It is what sets man apart, the highest achievement of his soul. No, it says, life is not evil! This kindness is both senseless and wordless. It is instinctive, blind. When Christianity clothed it in the teachings of the Church Fathers, it began to fade; its kernel became a husk. It remains potent only while it is dumb and senseless, hidden in the living darkness of the human heart – before it becomes a tool or commodity in the hands of preachers, before its crude ore is forged into the gilt coins of holiness. It is as simple as life itself. Even the teachings of Jesus deprived it of its strength. But, as I lost faith in good, I began to lose faith even in kindness. It seemed as beautiful and powerless as dew. What use was it if it was not contagious? How can one make a power of it without losing it, without turning it into a husk as the Church did? Kindness is powerful only while it is powerless. If Man tries to give it power, it dims, fades away, loses itself, vanishes.”

Quote by Vasily Grossman

Book:Life and Fate
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Life and Fate

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Vasily Grossman
Vasily Grossman

Vasily Grossman (December 12, 1905 – September 14, 1964) was a Soviet Jewish writer and journalist, best known for his works on World War II. Born in Berdychiv, Ukraine, he initially studied chemical engineering before turning to literature. As a war correspondent for the Red Star newspaper, he witnessed the Battle of Stalingrad and documented Nazi atrocities. His masterpiece, Life and Fate, was banned by Soviet authorities for its criticism of Stalinism and only published in the 1980s. Grossman's works explore themes of war, totalitarianism, and humanity, earning him recognition as a significant voice in 20th-century Russian literature. more

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