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Hate people Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“I heard exactly the same thing, a long time ago to be sure, from a doctor," the elder remarked. "He was then an old man, and unquestionably intelligent. He spoke just as frankly as you, humorously, but with a sorrowful humor. 'I love mankind,' he said, 'but I am amazed at myself: the more I love…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““I heard exactly the same thing, a long time ago to be sure, from a doctor," the elder remarked. "He was then an old man, and unquestionably intelligent. He spoke just as frankly as you, humorously, but with a sorrowful humor. 'I love mankind,' he said, 'but I am amazed at myself: the more I love mankind in general, the less I love people in particular, that is, individually, as separate persons. In my dreams,' he said, 'I often went so far as to think passionately of serving mankind, and, it may be, would really have gone to the cross for people if it were somehow suddenly necessary, and yet I am incapable of living in the same room with anyone even for two days, this I know from experience. As soon as someone is there, close to me, his personality oppresses my self-esteem and restricts my freedom. In twenty-four hours I can begin to hate even the best of men: one because he takes too long eating his dinner, another because he has a cold and keeps blowing his nose. I become the enemy of people the moment they touch me,' he said. 'On the other hand, it has always happened that the more I hate people individually, the more ardent becomes my love for humanity as a whole.””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1880

The speaker expresses a paradox: deep love for humanity yet intense personal dislike for individuals, feeling their presence threatens his freedom and self-esteem.

In simple terms: Loving humanity can coexist with personal irritation.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and manage personal triggers.

Themes

humanity individualism paradox psychology freedom

Mood

reflective conflicted thoughtful

Type

philosophical psychological literary

When to use this quote

  • working in teams
  • living with roommates
  • public speaking
  • volunteering
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

existentialism social alienation self-esteem empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance love for the collective with personal boundaries?
  • What strategies help you stay open to individuals?
A Different Perspective

The view may overlook that personal relationships can also enrich love for humanity when navigated healthily.

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