Ingratitude Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““I came with horror to the conclusion that, if anything could dissipate my love to humanity, it would be ingratitude. In short, I am a hired servant, I expect my payment at once—that is, praise, and the repayment of love with love. Otherwise I am incapable of loving any one.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880
He believes ingratitude erodes love for humanity; he seeks praise as payment for love, otherwise he cannot love anyone.
In simple terms: Ingratitude destroys love; he needs appreciation to love.
Key Takeaway
Seek gratitude to sustain love.
Themes
love
gratitude
humanity
service
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- volunteer work
- leadership
Key Concepts
reciprocity
emotional dependence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you love without expecting praise?
- What practices foster genuine gratitude?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on external praise may weaken intrinsic motivation.
![“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)
