Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
I believe the best definition of man is the ungrateful biped.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Dostoevsky suggests that humans often fail to appreciate what they have and often take things for granted.
In this quote, Fyodor Dostoevsky reflects on the nature of humanity, indicating that humans, despite their intelligence and capabilities, often exhibit ingratitude. The term 'ungrateful biped' highlights a fundamental flaw in human behavior β the tendency to overlook the gifts of life and complain about what is lacking instead. This philosophical insight prompts introspection about the human condition and the need for gratitude towards life and others.
Themes
IngratitudeHuman NatureAppreciationPhilosophyDostoevsky
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about human behavior, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for gratitude.
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Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.
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But do you understand, I cry to him, do you understand that if you have the guillotine in the forefront, and with such glee, it's for the sole reason that cutting heads off is the easiest thing, and having an idea is difficult!
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
...to return to their 'native soil,' as they say, to the bosom, so to speak, of their mother earth, like frightened children, yearning to fall asleep on the withered bosom of their decrepit mother, and to sleep there for ever, only to escape the horrors that terrify them.
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