Time Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““But I repeat for the hundredth time, there is one case, one only, when man may consciously, purposely, desire what is injurious to himself, what is stupid, very stupid—simply in order to have the right to desire for himself even what is very stupid and not to be bound by an obligation to desire only what is sensible.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1880
Human beings sometimes choose harmful or irrational desires simply to assert freedom over their own will, rejecting imposed rationality.
In simple terms: People may pick harmful choices to claim personal freedom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when desire is a claim to autonomy, not wisdom.
Themes
freedom
will
irrationality
autonomy
moral choice
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- moral dilemmas
- psychological self‑assertion
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
ethical paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever choose something harmful to prove your independence?
- When does asserting freedom become self‑sabotage?
A Different Perspective
Choosing harmful desires can lead to self‑destruction and societal harm.
![“if [God] doesn't exist, man is the chief of the earth, of the universe. Magnificent! Only how is he going to be good without God?” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/09b/fyodor-dostoyevsky-94_ethics_if-god-doesn-t-exist-man-is-the-chief-of_16023.jpg)
