Big tears of frustration and exhaustion were streaming down his cheeks. But because of all the wrinkles, they weren't dripping off. They spread out and ran together again, leaving a watery film over his ruined face.

In order to be created, a work of art must first make use of the dark forces of the soul

To know oneself, one should assert oneself.

Independence is earned by a few words of cheap confidence

Absolute freedom mocks at justice. Absolute justice denies freedom.

The reasoning is classic in its clarity. If God does not exist, Kirilov is god. If God does not exist, Kirilov must kill himself. Kirilov must therefore kill himself to become god. That logic is absurd, but it is what is needed.

The important thing isn't the soundness or otherwise of the argument, but for it to make you think.