Wisdom Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““Do you know that centuries will pass and mankind will proclaim with the mouth of its wisdom and science that there is no crime, and therefore no sin, but only hungry men? Feed them first, then ask virtue of them.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1866
Human suffering stems from unmet basic needs; moral judgment should prioritize addressing hunger before condemning behavior.
In simple terms: Hunger precedes moral blame.
Key Takeaway
First feed the hungry, then judge.
Themes
justice
humanity
basic needs
Mood
compassionate
reflective
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- poverty relief
- policy making
- community aid
- charitable work
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance compassion with accountability?
- What policies best address basic needs before moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
If resources are scarce, moral expectations may still be applied.
![“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)
