I do not wish you much happiness — it will bore you. I do not wish you trouble either, but, following the philosophy of the peasant, I will repeat simply, “live more” and try not to be much bored.
( Dostoevsky, “Devils” )It’s of no use whatever. This jug’s of use because one can pour water into it. This pencil’s of use because you can write anything with it. But that woman’s face [the Madonna] is inferior to any face in nature. Try drawing an apple, and put a real apple beside it. Which would you take? You wouldn’t make a mistake, I’m sure. This is what all our theories amount to, now that the first light of free investigation has dawned on them.
( Dostoevsky, Devils )Dostoevsky, You Mind Fucker
Just finished Demons. Sat in dumbfoundment for a full minute. This is why you’re my favorite.
I could not at once tear my bleeding heart from what I had grown into from childhood, on which had been lavished all the raptures of my hopes and all the tears of my hatred… It is difficult to change gods.
( Dostoevsky, “Devils” )Time’s not an object but an idea.
( Dostoevsky, “Devils” )
‘You’ve begun to believe in a future eternal life?’
‘No, not a future eternal life, but in eternal life here. There are moments, you reach moments, and time suddenly stands still, and it will become eternal.’
Nothing’s easier than cutting off heads, and nothing’s harder than to have an idea.
( Dostoevsky, “Devils” )To make truth sound probable you must always mix in some falsehood with it.
( Dostoevsky, “Devils” )
