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Svetlana Alexievich, the Nobel Prize-winning Belarusian author and journalist, is renowned for her oral history works that delve deeply into the human experience, particularly in the context of Soviet and post-Soviet society. Here are some poignant quotes by Svetlana Alexievich about life:
1. **”We are all captives of a time we live in.”**
– Reflecting on how the era and societal context shape individual lives and destinies.
2. **”I am often told that I am a chronicler of the ’Red Civilization.’ But I am not a chronicler; I write a history of human feelings.”**
– Highlighting her focus on the personal and emotional aspects of historical events rather than just the events themselves.
3. **”When you live in a state of war, when it’s always somewhere nearby, not somewhere far off, not in the past but now, in the present, you feel a responsibility to speak out.”**
– Emphasizing the urgency and moral imperative to bear witness and give voice to those living through conflict.
4. **”The time always comes when the old order collapses, and the new one is not yet born. It’s a time of monsters.”**
– Describing the chaotic and often terrifying period of transition between old and new societal structures.
5. **”People are always asking for advice on how to live. But you don’t learn that from books or advice. You learn from life itself.”**
– Underscoring the idea that life’s most important lessons are learned through lived experience rather than second-hand knowledge.
6. **”Life is fragile, fleeting, and perilous. We only understand that when it’s too late.”**
– A sobering reminder of the transient and precarious nature of human existence.
7. **”Human beings are greater than war. They are stronger than it, wiser, and they are more beautiful than it.”**
– Expressing her belief in the resilience and inherent goodness of people, even in the face of the horrors of war.
8. **”I don’t know what it means to be happy. What is happiness? I have never encountered it, but I do know what life is.”**
– Reflecting on the elusive nature of happiness and her deep understanding of life’s complexities and challenges.
9. **”War always leaves an indelible mark on people, especially on those who have directly experienced its horrors. The memory of war is passed on from generation to generation.”**
– Highlighting the lasting impact of war on individuals and societies, and how these memories are inherited.
10. **”In each of us, there is a little of everyone.”**
– Acknowledging the shared human experience and the interconnectedness of people’s lives and emotions.
These quotes capture Svetlana Alexievich’s profound insights into life, war, and the human condition, reflecting her commitment to giving voice to those who have lived through significant historical events.