Skip to content

Cases Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Reason and Knowledge have always played a secondary, subordinate, auxiliary role in the life of peoples, and this will always be the case. A people is shaped and driven forward by an entirely different kind of force, one which commands and coerces them and the origin of which is obscure and…” quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Download Open image
“Reason and Knowledge have always played a secondary, subordinate, auxiliary role in the life of peoples, and this will always be the case. A people is shaped and driven forward by an entirely different kind of force, one which commands and coerces them and the origin of which is obscure and inexplicable despite the reality of its presence.”

Fyodor Dostoevsky

About This Quote

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

Societies are driven by deep, often unseen forces rather than rational thought alone.

In simple terms: People are moved by mysterious powers, not just reason.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the influence of irrational forces.

Themes

society power irrationality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • political movements
  • religious fervor
  • mass media influence

Key Concepts

philosophy social dynamics collective unconscious

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unseen forces shape your community?
  • How can rational thought counteract them?
A Different Perspective

Such forces can be manipulated for oppression.

4.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Explore all 642 Fyodor Dostoevsky quotes

More Cases quotes

Browse all 6,415 Cases quotes