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
The more I love humanity in general, the less I love man in particular.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the paradox of loving humanity while struggling to connect with individual human beings.
Dostoevsky's quote reflects the complexity of human relationships and the inherent contradictions in our feelings toward society as a whole and individuals within it. While one may feel a profound love for humanity and its potential, the flaws and failings of individuals can create a sense of disillusionment or disappointment, illustrating a conflict between idealism and reality.
Themes
HumanityLoveIndividualRelationshipsParadox
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about social justice, one might reference the quote to illustrate the tension between broad ideals and specific interactions.
More from Fyodor Dostoevsky
All quotes βWhat if, when this fog scatters and flies upward, the whole rotten, slimey city goes with it, rises with the fog and vanishes like smoke.
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Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
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.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
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.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
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