26+ The Brothers Karamazov Quotes From Dostoevsky's Final Novel
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‘The Brothers Karamazov’ was the last novel written by Dostoevsky, who wrote it in such a way that it seemed autobiographical depicting his last words.
If you have read any of his books, then you might also want to read his last novel which says much about him and being a man. He speaks about humanity and sheds light upon many aspects of life.
'The Brothers Karamazov' is one of the best novels written in any language and narrates the story of three brothers of the Karamazov family. Though their personalities are different, they find a way back to unite with their family.
The novel also has a religious aspect to it. Here are some of the best ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ quotes from Dostoevsky’s final novel.
If you enjoy reading ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ quotes, then make sure to check out 'Crime and Punishment' quotes and existentialism quotes from our collection.
Best Quotes From ‘The Brothers Karamazov’
We all accept and believe that humanity is a great thing that every man should love. This particular behavior and ethic is the focus of this book. Read on for the best ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ quotes to help you live in the moment and believe that anything is possible.
1. “The secret of man's being is not only to live but to have something to live for.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
2. “Everything is permitted...”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
3. “Viper will eat viper, and it would serve them both right!”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov, Book III, Chapter 9’.
4. “What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
5. “The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
6. “The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there and the battlefield is the heart of man.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
7. “The more I love humanity in general, the less I love man in particular.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
8. “I say a man falls asleep and does not wake up, and that's all...That is my philosophy.”
- Fyodor Karamazov, Part Two, 'The Brothers Karamazov’.
9. “The man who lies to himself can be more easily offended than anyone.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
10. “I think the devil doesn't exist, but man has created him, he has created him in his own image and likeness.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
11. “The more I detest men individually the more ardent becomes my love for humanity.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
12. “Beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and devil are fighting there and the battlefield is the heart of man.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
13. “The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.
And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to bestiality in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
14. “Why is such a man alive! Can he be allowed to go on dishonoring the earth with himself?”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
‘The Brothers Karamazov’ Quotes On Truth And World
‘The Brothers Karamazov’ is a story that will help you understand the important things in life and give respect to all those who deserve it. Here are some of the best ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ that truly reflect the human proclivity to be cruel and tell a lie whenever it suits the requirement.
15. “The jealous are the readiest of all to forgive, and all women know it.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
16. "I am sorry I can say nothing more to console you, for love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.
Love in dreams is greedy for immediate action, rapidly performed and in the sight of all. Men will even give their lives if only the ordeal does not last long but is soon over, with all looking on and applauding as though on stage.
But active love is labor and fortitude, and for some people too, perhaps, a complete science."
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
17. “In most cases, people, even the most vicious, are much naiver and more simple-minded than we assume them to be. And this is true of ourselves too.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
18. “Why, the whole world of knowledge is not worth that child's prayer to 'dear, kind God'! I say nothing of the sufferings of grown-up people, they have eaten the apple, damn them, and the devil take them all! But these little ones!”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
19. “You must know that there is nothing higher, or stronger, or sounder, or more useful afterwards in life, than some good memory, especially a memory from childhood, from the parental home.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
20. “Listen: if everyone must suffer, in order to buy eternal harmony with their suffering, pray tell me what have children got to do with it? It’s quite incomprehensible why they should have to suffer, and why they should buy harmony with their suffering.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
21. “My feelings, gratitude, for instance, are denied me simply because of my social position.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
22. “Above all, don't lie to yourself.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
23. “This is my last message to you: in sorrow, seek happiness.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
24. “I can see the sun, but even if I cannot see the sun, I know that it exists. And to know that the sun is there - that is living.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
25. “People talk sometimes of a bestial cruelty, but that's a great injustice and insult to the beasts; a beast can never be so cruel as a man, so artistically cruel.
The tiger only tears and gnaws, that's all he can do. He would never think of nailing people by the ears, even if he were able to do it.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
26. “Each of us is guilty in everything before everyone, and I most of all.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
27. “That is a fact and it speaks, it shouts, for itself… but when it comes to inner feelings, that’s quite a different matter, gentlemen.”
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 'Brothers Karamazov' quotes, then why not take a look at Kurt Vonnegut quotes, or 'War And Peace' quotes.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice
Luca DemetriouBachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice
Experienced in writing and sub-editing, Luca holds a Bachelor's in English Literature and Drama from the University of Birmingham, where he served as the culture editor at Redbrick Paper. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Performance: Design and Practice at the University of the Arts in London, showcasing his passion for the arts, performance, and history. With a keen interest in traveling, Luca enjoys exploring new cultures and experiencing diverse perspectives.
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