Americans have a severe disease - worse than AIDS. It's called the winner's complex.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
New approaches are needed, new orientations in both thought and action. We must make the transition to a new civilization...We are talking of a transition toward a new civilization. No one knows what it will be like. What is important is to orient in that direction... I am convinced that a new civilization will inevitably take on certain features that are characteristic of, or inherent in, the socialist ideal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing new ideas and actions is essential for evolving into a better society, guided by socialist ideals.
This quote emphasizes the necessity of adopting new approaches and orientations in our thoughts and actions as humanity transitions toward a new civilization. Gorbachev expresses the uncertainty of what this new civilization will look like, but he believes it should be informed by principles inherent to socialism, highlighting the importance of direction and ideals for future societal development.
Themes
New CivilizationSocialismChangeOrientationEvolution
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social reform, a leader can quote this to inspire new ideas.
More from Mikhail Gorbachev
All quotes →Gentlemen, comrades, do not be concerned about all you hear about Glasnost and Perestroika and democracy in the coming years. They are primarily for outward consumption. There will be no significant internal changes in the Soviet Union, other than for cosmetic purposes. Our purpose is to disarm the Americans and let them fall asleep.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
The soviet people want full-blooded and unconditional democracy.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
To me, nature is sacred. Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
According to Lenin, socialism and democracy are indivisible.... The essence of perestroika lies in the fact that it unites socialism with democracy and revives the Leninist concept of socialist construction both in theory and in practice. We want more socialism and, therefore, more democracy.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
Democracy is the wholesome and pure air without which a socialist public organization cannot live a full-blooded life.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
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