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
If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment-as well as the prison.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conscience creates internal conflict that punishes individuals for their wrongdoings, alongside any external consequences.
This quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky emphasizes the profound role of conscience in the human experience. It suggests that an individual's awareness of their moral failings leads to self-inflicted suffering, which serves as a form of punishment akin to physical imprisonment. Thus, the acknowledgment of oneβs mistakes becomes a heavy burden that can weigh more than any legal penalty.
Themes
ConsciencePunishmentMistakeSufferingMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics and personal accountability.
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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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