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Beauty Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Beauty is a terrible and awful thing! It is terrible because it has not been fathomed and never can be fathomed, for God sets us nothing but riddles. Here the boundaries meet and all contradictions exist side by side. I am not a cultivated man, brother, but I've thought a lot about this. It's…” quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky
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““Beauty is a terrible and awful thing! It is terrible because it has not been fathomed and never can be fathomed, for God sets us nothing but riddles. Here the boundaries meet and all contradictions exist side by side. I am not a cultivated man, brother, but I've thought a lot about this. It's terrible what mysteries there are! Too many riddles weigh men down on earth. We must solve them as we can, and try to keep a dry skin in the water.””

Fyodor Dostoevsky

About This Quote

Source Novel: Demons (The Possessed) by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 1872

The quote reflects on the incomprehensible nature of beauty, portraying it as a paradoxical, heavy mystery that burdens humanity, urging us to confront riddles while maintaining composure.

In simple terms: Beauty is a baffling, heavy mystery that challenges us.

Key Takeaway

Embrace mystery, stay grounded.

Themes

beauty paradox human condition existential dread

Mood

thoughtful melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • personal reflection
  • spiritual contemplation
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

mystery philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance awe of beauty with everyday responsibilities?
  • Can confronting riddles lead to personal growth?
A Different Perspective

Beauty’s allure can distract from practical concerns.

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