Meaning: The quote "It is already clear, after twenty years of socialism in Russia, that if you do not provide your society with a new religion, it will gradually revert to the old one" by Herbert Read, a British poet and art historian, addresses the significance of providing society with a guiding ideology or belief system. This quote reflects the complex relationship between ideology, religion, and societal values, particularly within the context of the Russian socialist experiment.

The quote suggests that in the absence of a unifying and transformative ideology, a society will inevitably return to the familiar and traditional belief systems that have historically shaped its values and norms. In the case of Russia, the implementation of socialism as a new ideology was intended to replace the traditional religious beliefs that had long been a cornerstone of Russian society. However, according to Read, the failure to establish a new belief system to fulfill the role of religion ultimately led to a resurgence of the old religious practices and values.

One interpretation of this quote is that it highlights the deep-seated human need for a guiding ideology or belief system that provides meaning, purpose, and moral guidance. Throughout history, religion has often served as the primary source of such guidance, shaping societal values, ethical frameworks, and individual behavior. In the absence of a compelling alternative ideology, the quote suggests that people will naturally gravitate towards the familiar and comforting embrace of traditional religious beliefs.

Moreover, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the complexities of societal transformation and the challenges of replacing deeply ingrained belief systems. The failure of socialism in Russia to provide a new, all-encompassing belief system that could effectively supplant traditional religious practices underscores the difficulty of instituting significant ideological shifts within a society.

Additionally, the quote raises questions about the nature of belief and the role of ideology in shaping societal values. It prompts consideration of whether it is possible to create a secular belief system or ideology that can effectively fulfill the functions traditionally associated with religion, such as providing moral guidance, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring collective action.

From a historical perspective, the quote has particular relevance in the context of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Soviet Union. The Bolsheviks sought to create a new socialist society based on Marxist ideology, with the goal of eradicating religious influence and instituting a fundamentally different set of values and principles. However, the quote suggests that the failure to adequately replace religious beliefs with a compelling alternative ideology ultimately hindered the success of the socialist project in reshaping the societal fabric of Russia.

In conclusion, Herbert Read's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the relationship between ideology, religion, and societal transformation. It underscores the enduring significance of belief systems in shaping the values and behaviors of a society, as well as the challenges inherent in replacing traditional religious practices with new ideological frameworks. By examining the implications of this quote, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of societal change and the enduring human need for guiding principles and belief systems.