I tell you solemnly, that I have many times tried to become an insect. But I was not equal even to that. I swear, gentlemen, that to be too conscious is an illness โ a real thorough-going illness.
Fyodor DostoevskyBrother, Iโm not depressed and havenโt lost spirit. Life everywhere is life, life is in ourselves and not in the external. There will be people near me, and to be a human being among human beings, and remain one forever, no matter what misfortunes befall, not to become depressed, and not to falter โ this is what life is, herein lies its task.
Fyodor DostoevskyItโs not God that I donโt accept, Alyosha, only I most respectfully return him the ticket.
Fyodor DostoevskyWhoever has experienced the power and the unrestrained ability to humiliate another human being automatically loses his own sensations. Tyranny is a habit, it has its own organic life, it develops finally into a disease. The habit can kill and coarsen the very best man or woman to the level of a beast. Blood and power intoxicate ... the return of the human dignity, repentance and regeneration becomes almost impossible.
Fyodor Dostoevsky