It is easier for a Russian to become an Atheist, than for any other nationality in the world. And not only does a Russian 'become an Atheist,' but he actually BELIEVES IN Atheism, just as though he had found a new faith, not perceiving that he has pinned his faith to a negation. Such is our anguish of thirst!
Fyodor DostoevskyIf he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment-as well as the prison.
Fyodor Dostoevsky. . . finally, I couldn't imagine how I could live without books, and I stopped dreaming about marrying that Chinese prince. . . .
Fyodor DostoevskyThe prince says that the world will be saved by beauty! And I maintain that the reason he has such playful ideas is that he is in love.
Fyodor DostoevskyAt that point I ought to have gone away, but a strange sensation rose up in me, a sort of defiance of fate, a desire to challenge it, to put out my tongue at it. I laid down the largest stake allowe-four thousand gulden-and lost it. Then, getting hot, I pulled out all I had left, staked it on the same number, and lost again, after which I walked away from the table as though I were stunned. I could not even grasp what had happened to me.
Fyodor Dostoevsky