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Quote by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

“It is not the standard of living that makes us happy, it is the way we feel, the way we look at life. Both of these are always within our power, and hence man is always happy if he wants to be, and no one can stop him. (chapter 20)”

Quote by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Work

Cancer Ward

Cancer Ward is a poignant and reflective novel that takes place in a Soviet hospital during the 1950s. The story delves into the lives of patients and medical staff, highlighting the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals battling cancer. The narrative explores themes of hope, despair, and the human spirit's capacity to endure amidst adversity. more

Author

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a Russian novelist, was born on December 11, 1918, and died on August 3, 2008. He is renowned for his works that profoundly exposed the dark side of the Soviet political system and is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. more

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“I have often wondered before, and now particularly I wonder: What, after all, is the highest price one should pay for life? How much should one pay, how much is too much? As they teach in schools nowadays: "The dearest thing a man has is life, he lives but once." That means cling to life at any cost. The camps helped many of us to reach the conclusion that betrayal, the ruin of good and helpless people, is too high a price. Life isn't worth it. But as for the fawning, the flattery, the lies, people in the camp differed. Some said these were an acceptable price, and perhaps they were right. But what about this price - to save one's life at the cost of surrendering everything that gives it color, flavor, and sparkle? To get a life of digestion, breathing, muscular and mental activity, and nothing more? To become a walking husk of a man - isn't that an exuberant price? It would be a mockery. Should I pay it? (chapter 22)”