Rebellion? I don't like hearing such a word from you,"…
““Rebellion? I don't like hearing such a word from you," Ivan said with feeling. "One cannot live by rebellion, and I want to live. Tell me straight out, I call on you--answer me: imagine that you yourself are building the edifice of human destiny with the object of making people happy in the finale, of giving them peace and rest at last, but for that you must inevitably and unavoidably torture just one tiny creature, that same child who was beating her chest with her little fist, and raise your edifice on the foundation of her unrequited tears--would you agree to be the architect on such conditions? Tell me the truth." "No, I would not agree," Alyosha said softly. "And can you admit the idea that the people for whom you are building would agree to accept their happiness on the unjustified blood of a tortured child, and having accepted it, to remain forever happy?" "No, I cannot admit it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage questions whether achieving collective happiness can justify sacrificing an innocent, highlighting moral limits of utilitarianism.
In simple terms: Can we justify harming one for many?
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral cost of ends.
Themes
morality
utilitarianism
innocence
human suffering
ethical limits
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- medical ethics
- war crimes
- corporate profit
- personal choices
Key Concepts
consequentialism
deontology
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any happiness worth a child's suffering?
- What alternative paths exist to achieve peace?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes happiness is the sole goal, ignoring other values like justice and dignity.