They resented the measures used to censor philosophical thought, a common practice in Russia at that time. Belinsky, a prominent Westernist, wrote that “fresh forces seethe and struggle to express themselves; but weighed down by heavy oppression and finding no outlet, they simply induce dejection, tiredness and apathy. Only literature, despite Tatar censorship, shows signs of life and progressive movement." He makes it clear that, at the very least, he believes that Russia as it existed at the time was a system of oppression that needed to be dismantled in order for Russia to take its place as a leading member of the European system.