Long time Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““Listen, then: we are not with you, but with him, that is our secret! For a long time now - eight centuries already - we have not been with you, but with him. Exactly eight centuries ago we took from him what you so indignantly rejected, that last gift he offered you when he showed you all the kingdoms of the earth: we took Rome and the sword of Caesar from him, and proclaimed ourselves sole rulers of the earth, the only rulers, though we have not yet succeeded in bringing our cause to its full conclusion.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880
The speaker claims a hidden allegiance to a higher power, asserting that for centuries they have served this power rather than humanity, and that they have taken dominion over symbols of earthly authority as part of a divine plan.
In simple terms: They say they serve a secret higher power, not people, and have claimed worldly power for a divine purpose.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden motives behind grand claims.
Themes
power
faith
authority
history
secrecy
Mood
mysterious
serious
reflective
Type
historical
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- religious movements
- political revolutions
- ideological propaganda
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
theology
political philosophy
mythic narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports such a secret allegiance?
- How does claiming divine authority affect political legitimacy?
A Different Perspective
The claim may be self‑delusional or propaganda, lacking evidence.
![“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)
