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
You see, gentlemen, reason is an excellent thing, there’s no disputing that, but reason is nothing but reason and satisfies only the rational side of man’s nature, while will is a manifestation of the whole life, that is, of the whole human life including reason and all the impulses. And although our life, in this manifestation of it, is often worthless, yet it is life and not simply extracting square roots.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of will over mere reasoning, highlighting that true life encompasses emotions and impulses, not just logic.
Dostoevsky argues that while reason plays a crucial role in human thought, it is ultimately insufficient to encompass the entirety of human experience. He highlights the significance of will as a component of life that integrates reason with our emotional and impulsive nature. Thus, he asserts that the richness of life cannot be reduced to mere calculations or logical deductions, suggesting that embracing the fullness of human existence, including its flaws and passions, is essential.
Themes
ReasonWillLifeNatureHuman Experience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the balance between emotion and logic in decision-making.
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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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