Meaning: The quote "In 1937, I began, like Lazarus, the impossible return" is a profound statement made by Whittaker Chambers, an American writer, editor, and former Communist spy who later became an outspoken anti-Communist. This quote reflects Chambers' personal journey and the profound transformation he experienced during the tumultuous period of the mid-20th century.

Whittaker Chambers was born in 1901 and became involved in radical politics during his youth, ultimately joining the Communist Party in the United States. He became a courier and agent for Soviet intelligence, passing sensitive information to Soviet operatives. However, his disillusionment with Communism began to grow as he witnessed the brutality and oppression carried out in the name of the ideology.

The year 1937 marked a pivotal moment in Chambers' life. It was during this time that he made the decision to break ties with the Communist Party and embark on a journey of personal and ideological transformation. The reference to Lazarus in the quote is significant, as it alludes to the biblical story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. Chambers likened his own return from the depths of Communist ideology to the seemingly impossible resurrection of Lazarus, emphasizing the profound nature of his personal and ideological transformation.

Chambers' decision to leave the Communist Party and his subsequent testimony about Soviet espionage had far-reaching implications. In 1948, Chambers would become a key figure in the highly publicized espionage case involving Alger Hiss, a former high-ranking U.S. State Department official who was accused of being a Soviet spy. Chambers' testimony and the evidence he provided played a crucial role in the case, leading to Hiss's eventual conviction for perjury.

The quote also captures the essence of Chambers' struggle and the immense challenges he faced as he sought to distance himself from his past involvement in Communist activities. The phrase "the impossible return" conveys the daunting nature of his personal journey, as well as the skepticism and opposition he encountered from both former comrades and the broader public.

Chambers' transformation and his courageous decision to speak out against Communism had a lasting impact on American society and politics. His autobiography, "Witness," published in 1952, became a seminal work that provided a firsthand account of the ideological fervor and disillusionment of the era. In the book, Chambers detailed his experiences within the Communist Party and his eventual rejection of its principles, offering valuable insights into the nature of radical ideologies and the human capacity for ideological change.

The quote serves as a poignant reflection of Chambers' personal odyssey and the broader historical context in which he lived. It encapsulates the themes of redemption, rebirth, and resilience, conveying the profound nature of his journey from the depths of Communist ideology to his eventual role as a prominent anti-Communist voice.

Overall, the quote "In 1937, I began, like Lazarus, the impossible return" encapsulates the pivotal moment in Whittaker Chambers' life when he made the courageous decision to break free from the Communist Party and embark on a transformative journey. It reflects the profound nature of his personal and ideological transformation, as well as the enduring impact of his testimony and writings on American society and politics.