Lev Shestov quotes

Lev Shestov was a Russian existentialist philosopher and essayist, known for his exploration of faith, reason, and the limits of philosophy. His writings questioned absolute truths and emphasized the role of personal experience and revelation. He challenged traditional philosophical doctrines and inspired thinkers across Europe. Here are 7 of his quotes:

Spinoza's formula, "Deus=natura=substantia”, like all conclusions drawn from it in his Ethics and his earlier works, simply means that there is no God. This discovery of Spinoza's became the starting point for modern philosophical thought.

Lev Shestov

Philosophy can never reconcile itself with science. Science aims at self-evident truths and finds in them that "natural necessity" which, after having proclaimed itself for ever eternal, claims to serve as the foundation of all knowledge and strives to rule over all wanton "suddenly."

Lev Shestov

We burn with longing to find some firm stance, some ultimate, unshakable basis, on which we may build the tower that can reach up to infinity. But all our foundations crack and earth opens to the abyss. THEREFORE LET US NOT SEEK CERTAINTY OR SECURITY.

Lev Shestov

The first commandment of modern philosophy runs: Thou shalt emancipate thyself from all postulates. The postulate has been declared a deadly sin, and he who makes one is the enemy of truth.

Lev Shestov

There are no ideals exalting the soul, but only chains, invisible indeed, but binding man more securely than iron. And no act of heroism, no "good work” can open the doors to man's "perpetual confinement.”.

Lev Shestov

What can be more terrible than not to know whether one is alive or dead? "Justice” should insist that this knowledge or this ignorance should be the prerogative of every human being.

Lev Shestov