Mind Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““He vividly recalled those old doubts and perplexities, and it seemed to him that it was no mere chance that he recalled them now. It struck him as strange and grotesque, that he should have stopped at the same spot as before, as though he actually imagined he could think the same thoughts, be interested in the same theories and pictures that had interested him … so short a time ago. He felt it almost amusing, and yet it wrung his heart. Deep down, hidden far away out of sight all that seemed to him now—all his old past, his old thoughts, his old problems and theories, his old impressions and that picture and himself and all, all…. He felt as though he were flying upwards, and everything were vanishing from his sight. Making an unconscious movement with his hand, he suddenly became aware of the piece of money in his fist. He opened his hand, stared at the coin, and with a sweep of his arm flung it into the water; then he turned and went home. It seemed to him, he had cut himself off from everyone and from everything at that moment.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1866
The protagonist reflects on past doubts, feeling both amusement and pain, then discards a coin, symbolizing a break from his past and isolation.
In simple terms: He recalls old thoughts, feels strange, and throws away a coin, cutting himself off.
Let go of lingering doubts and seek new direction.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- contemplating past decisions
- symbolic gestures
- seeking freedom
- emotional release
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the coin represent for him?
- Can discarding the past truly free you?
The act may be impulsive, not resolving underlying issues.