Skip to content

Immortality Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“[The Devil] 'The question now,' my young thinker reflected, 'is whether or not it is possible for such a period ever to come. If it does come, then everything will be resolved and mankind will finally be settled. But since, in view of man's inveterate stupidity, it may not be settled for another…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Download Open image
““[The Devil] 'The question now,' my young thinker reflected, 'is whether or not it is possible for such a period ever to come. If it does come, then everything will be resolved and mankind will finally be settled. But since, in view of man's inveterate stupidity, it may not be settled for another thousand years, anyone who already knows the truth is permitted to settle things for himself, absolutely as he wishes, on the new principles. In this sense, "everything is permitted" to him. Moreover, since God and immortality do not exist in any case, even if this period should never come, the new man is allowed to become a man-god, though it be he alone in the whole world, and of course, in this new rank, to jump lightheartedly over any former moral obstacle of the former slave-man, if need be. There is no law for God! Where God stand--there is the place of God! Where I stand, there at once will be the foremost place..."everything is permitted," and that's that!' It's all very nice; only if one wants to swindle, why, I wonder, should one also need the sanction of truth? But such is the modern little Russian man: without such a sanction, he doesn't even dare to swindle, so much does he love the truth...””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880

The passage explores nihilism, the collapse of moral absolutes, and the freedom that arises when traditional authority and divine law are rejected.

In simple terms: When old rules disappear, individuals claim absolute freedom, even to become godlike.

Key Takeaway

Question moral foundations and consider personal responsibility.

Themes

nihilism freedom morality existentialism

Mood

thoughtful critical philosophical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • philosophical debates
  • personal ethics
  • literary analysis
  • psychological introspection

Key Concepts

existential freedom moral relativism human autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What moral compass guides you without external authority?
  • Can absolute freedom exist without societal harm?
A Different Perspective

The claim that “everything is permitted” can lead to chaos and abuse of power.

3.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Explore all 1,078 Fyodor Dostoyevsky quotes

More Immortality quotes

Browse all 1,258 Immortality quotes