Though I do not believe in the order of things, still the sticky little leaves that come out in the spring are dear to me, the blue sky is dear to me, some people are dear to me, whom one loves sometimes, would you believe it, without even knowing why; some human deeds are dear to me, which one has perhaps long ceased believing in, but still honors with one's heart, out of old habit..." --Ivan Karamazov
Fyodor DostoevskyI am told that the proximity of punishment arouses real repentance in the criminal and sometimes awakens a feeling of genuine remorse in the most hardened heart; I am told this is due to fear.
Fyodor DostoevskyNothing is more seductive for a man than his freedom of conscience, but nothing is a greater cause of suffering.
Fyodor DostoevskyI have no self-respect. But can a man of acute sensibility respect himself at all?
Fyodor Dostoevsky