Crime Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““Why does my action strike them as so horrible? Is it because it was a crime? What is meant by crime? My conscience is at rest. Of course, it was a legal crime, of course, the letter of the law was broken and blood was shed. Well, punish me for the letter of the law...and that's enough.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Crime and Punishment, 1866
The narrator questions whether the legal definition of crime, rather than moral wrongdoing, justifies punishment, highlighting the tension between law and conscience.
In simple terms: Legal guilt vs. moral guilt.
Key Takeaway
Consider the difference between legal and moral responsibility.
Themes
justice
morality
law
conscience
Mood
thought‑provoking
philosophical
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- courtroom deliberations
- ethical dilemmas
- personal accountability
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
legal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is following the law enough for moral integrity?
- What does true justice require beyond statutes?
A Different Perspective
Legal punishment may ignore deeper ethical considerations.
![“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)
