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
they may all be drunk at my place, but they're all honest, and though we do lie-because I lie, too-in the end we'll lie our way to the truth
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the complexity of truth and honesty in human interactions, suggesting that even deception can lead to deeper truths.
Fyodor Dostoevsky's quote explores the intricate relationship between honesty and deception. It implies that while people may indulge in falsehoods or distractions, there exists an underlying sincerity that can eventually lead to a greater understanding of their true selves. The notion of all being 'drunk' symbolizes a state of vulnerability or lack of clarity, yet amid this, the honesty of intentions shines through, demonstrating that sometimes the path to truth is convoluted and requires grappling with layers of untruth.
Themes
TruthHonestyDeceptionHuman NaturePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the complexities of human relationships at a seminar.
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.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
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
Similar quotes
There's no reason to assume that my idea of what's better would really be better. I resent it when other people try to inflict their ideas of betterness on me. I don't think they know. And I can't see any authority on the horizon that's got any answers that seem worthwhile. Most of the things that are suggested are probably detrimental to your mental health.
Frank ZappaRead
There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words. To this chiefly it is owing that we find sects and parties in most branches of science [and politics]; and disputes that are carried on from age to age, without being brought to issue.
Thomas ReidRead
I remember that throughout history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they can seem invincible. But in the end they always fall. Think of it always...whenever you are in doubt that that is God's way - the way the world is meant to be. Think of that and then try to do His way.
Jean VanierRead
There never were, in the world, two opinions alike, no more than two hairs, or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity.
Michel De MontaigneRead
A linguistic system is a series of differences of sound combined with a series of differences of ideas...
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
Homer's work hits again and again on the topos of the inexpressible. People will always do that.
Umberto EcoRead