Everything will pass, and the world will perish but the Ninth Symphony will remain

Everything will pass, and the world will perish but the Ninth Symphony will remain

Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary and anarchist thinker, is often associated with the quote "Everything will pass, and the world will perish but the Ninth Symphony will remain." This quote is attributed to Bakunin, although there is some debate over its origins. Regardless of its exact source, the sentiment behind the quote is one that resonates deeply with Bakunin's philosophy and beliefs.

Bakunin was a staunch critic of authority and hierarchy, advocating for a society based on equality, freedom, and mutual aid. He believed in the power of the individual to create change and saw art and music as essential tools for inspiring and uniting people in the struggle against oppression. The Ninth Symphony, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, is often seen as a symbol of human creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. Its themes of unity, brotherhood, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity have made it a timeless and universal work of art.

For Bakunin, the Ninth Symphony represented the enduring power of art to transcend the limitations of time and space. While governments, empires, and institutions may rise and fall, the beauty and truth of great works of art like the Ninth Symphony will endure. In a world marked by violence, injustice, and inequality, Bakunin saw art as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for those fighting for a better world.

The quote "Everything will pass, and the world will perish but the Ninth Symphony will remain" encapsulates Bakunin's belief in the enduring power of art to inspire and uplift humanity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and truth to be found in the creative expressions of the human spirit. As we navigate the challenges of the present moment, Bakunin's words remind us to hold onto the things that truly matter – love, solidarity, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.