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 saw clear as daylight how strange it is that not a single person living in this mad world has had the daring to go straight for it all and send it flying to the devil! I...I wanted to have the daring...and I killed her.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the boldness required to challenge societal norms and the tragic consequences of such daring actions.
In this quote, Dostoevsky captures a profound moment of self-reflection and existential crisis. The speaker expresses a realization of the peculiar nature of society and the lack of individuals willing to confront its madness head-on. This daring to act against convention, however, leads to devastating consequences, highlighting the complex relationship between personal ambition and moral responsibility. The events unfold tragically, emphasizing the weight of one's choices and their impact on others.
Themes
DaringConventionMadnessConsequencesExistentialismSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on literature and morality, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of questioning societal norms.
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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!
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...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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