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Another time Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“Another time, twice, in fact, I tried hard to be in love. I suffered, too, gentlemen, I assure you. In the depth of my heart there was no faith in my suffering, only a faint stir of mockery, but yet I did suffer, and in the real, orthodox way; I was jealous, beside myself... and it was all from…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““Another time, twice, in fact, I tried hard to be in love. I suffered, too, gentlemen, I assure you. In the depth of my heart there was no faith in my suffering, only a faint stir of mockery, but yet I did suffer, and in the real, orthodox way; I was jealous, beside myself... and it was all from ENNUI, gentlemen, all from ENNUI; inertia overcame me. You know the direct, legitimate fruit of consciousness is inertia, that is, conscious sitting-with-the-hands-folded. I have referred to this already. I repeat, I repeat with emphasis: all ‘direct’ persons and men of action are active just because they are stupid and limited. How explain that? I will tell you: in consequence of their limitation they take immediate and secondary causes for primary ones, and in that way persuade themselves more quickly and easily than other people do that they have found an infallible foundation for their activity, and their minds are at ease and you know that is the chief thing. To begin to act, you know, you must first have your mind completely at ease and no trace of doubt left in it. Why, how am I, for example, to set my mind at rest? Where are the primary causes on which I amto build? Where are my foundations? Where am I to get them from? I exercise myself in reflection, and consequently with me every primary cause at once draws after itself another still more primary, and so on to infinity. That is just the essence of every sort of consciousness and reflection.””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

The passage sat how existential inertia and the search for foundational certainty trap individuals in endless reflection, preventing decisive action.

In simple terms: Inertia of consciousness stalls action.

Key Takeaway

Self‑doubt fuels endless analysis.

Themes

existentialism psychology philosophy of action nihilism self‑reflection

Mood

melancholic introspective cynical

Type

philosophical literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • contemplating life choices
  • facing creative block
  • overthinking decisions
  • experiencing ennui
  • seeking purpose

Key Concepts

inertia consciousness primary cause reflection

Practical Applications

  • philosophical writing
  • cognitive‑behavioral therapy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What primary cause can truly ground your actions?
  • How does recognizing inertia change your approach to decision‑making?
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