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
There are three forces, the only three forces capable of conquering and enslaving forever the conscience of these weak rebels in the interests of their own happiness. They are: the miracle, the mystery and authority.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that certain powerful forces can dominate human conscience, influencing our pursuit of happiness.
Dostoevsky's quote highlights three fundamental forces—the miracle, the mystery, and authority—that can profoundly impact our sense of freedom and happiness. In his view, these forces can manipulate individuals, rendering them subservient to external influences that dictate their beliefs and actions, ultimately shaping their understanding of happiness.
Themes
ForcesConscienceHappinessAuthorityMysteryMiracle
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the influence of societal forces on personal freedom.
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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.
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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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