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
Viper will eat viper, and it would serve them both right!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that betrayal and conflict among similar individuals are inevitable and justified.
Fyodor Dostoevsky's quote, 'Viper will eat viper, and it would serve them both right!' refers to the destructive nature of betrayal within similar groups or individuals, illustrating that those who engage in deceit and malice towards each other ultimately meet a fitting end. The imagery of vipers consuming one another underscores the idea that self-destructive behavior can lead to one's downfall, especially when those involved share similar traits or motivations.
Themes
BetrayalConflictSelf-DestructionDeceitSimilarity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about loyalty and betrayal in friendships.
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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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