I tell Thee that man is tormented by no greater anxiety…
![“I tell Thee that man is tormented by no greater anxiety than to find someone quickly to whom he can hand over that gift of freedom with which the ill-fated creatures is born. But only one who can appease their conscience can take over their freedom […] Instead of taking men's freedom from them…” quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/320/fyodor-dostoevsky-342_anxiety_i-tell-thee-that-man-is-tormented-by-no_1897284.png)
“I tell Thee that man is tormented by no greater anxiety than to find someone quickly to whom he can hand over that gift of freedom with which the ill-fated creatures is born. But only one who can appease their conscience can take over their freedom […] Instead of taking men's freedom from them, Thou didst make it greater than ever! Didst Thou forget that man prefers peace, and even death, to freedom of choice in the knowledge of good and evil?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Man fears the responsibility of true freedom and prefers the safety of ignorance over moral choice.
In simple terms: Freedom burdens the conscience; many choose comfort over truth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of freedom and act responsibly.
Themes
freedom
conscience
responsibility
ignorance
choice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal decision making
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
existentialism
morality
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you avoid difficult choices for comfort?
- How can societies balance liberty with moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Freedom can lead to paralysis and conflict if not guided by wisdom.