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Beauty Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“Is it true that you insisted you knew no difference in beauty between some brutal sensual stunt and any great deed, even the sacrifice of life for mankind? Is it true that you found a coincidence in beauty, a sameness of pleasure at both poles? ...You married out of a passion for torture, out of a…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““Is it true that you insisted you knew no difference in beauty between some brutal sensual stunt and any great deed, even the sacrifice of life for mankind? Is it true that you found a coincidence in beauty, a sameness of pleasure at both poles? ...You married out of a passion for torture, out of a passion for remorse, out of moral sensuality.””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

Source Novel: Crime and Punishment, 1866

Explores the blurred line between beauty in cruelty and moral virtue, questioning ethical consistency.

In simple terms: Beauty can appear in both cruelty and virtue, challenging moral judgments.

Key Takeaway

Examine the morality behind what you find beautiful.

Themes

morality beauty duality ethical ambiguity

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • ethical debates
  • personal reflection
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you separate aesthetic appreciation from ethical judgment?
  • Can beauty justify harmful actions?
A Different Perspective

Moral relativism can be unsettling.

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