Solzhenitsyn: Are You Blinded by Groupthink? (2/3)

Groupthink is when you inherit the ideas of the masses without thinking them through for yourself. Although Solzhenitsyn was a true Communist until his party betrayed and enslaved him for cheap labor, some underwent a similar fate and never changed changed their minds about Communism because they were terrified of existential exile. Solzhenitsyn discovered that humility and the ability to listen to others can keep you from Groupthink and set you on your own journey towards individuality and truth.The featured painting is an oil on canvas by Boris Kustodiev called “Celebration Marking the Opening of the 2nd Congress of the Comintern on Uritsky Square in Petrograd on 19 June 1920.” It was painted in 1921.  It is on display at the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

Episode Notes

• The featured painting is an oil on canvas by Boris Kustodiev called “Celebration Marking the Opening of the 2nd Congress of the Comintern on Uritsky Square in Petrograd on 19 June 1920.” It was painted in 1921.  It is on display at the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg
• The featured piece is by Sergey Rachmaninov, a Russian composer of the 20th century. The piece is called Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor, Op. 18. Rachmaninov escaped Russia after the socialist revolution of 1918 and settled in the United States. It seemed fitting to select a Russian composer who fled Russia following the socialist revolution. Plus, it is my favorite piece of all time.