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Lying Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“I will tell you another thing that would be better, and that is, if I myself believe even an iota of what I have just written. I swear to you, gentlemen, that I do not really believe one thing, not even one word, of what I have just written. That is, I believe it, perhaps, but at the same time, I…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““I will tell you another thing that would be better, and that is, if I myself believe even an iota of what I have just written. I swear to you, gentlemen, that I do not really believe one thing, not even one word, of what I have just written. That is, I believe it, perhaps, but at the same time, I feel suspect that I am lying myself blue in the face.””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880

The narrator admits to writing without genuine belief, exposing self‑deception and the paradox of claiming truth while knowing it may be false.

In simple terms: He writes while not truly believing his words.

Key Takeaway

Question your own convictions before speaking.

Themes

self‑deception truth integrity paradox

Mood

conflicted introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • political writing
  • personal essays
  • public speaking
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literary irony

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever present ideas you doubt?
  • How does doubt affect credibility?
A Different Perspective

The claim may be a rhetorical device rather than literal confession.

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