Desire Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““You see, gentlemen, reason is an excellent thing, there's no disputing that, but reason is nothing but reason and satisfies only the rational side of man's nature, while will is a manifestation of the whole life, that is, of the whole human life including reason and all the impulses. And although our life, in this manifestation of it, is often worthless, yet it is life and not simply extracting square roots. Here I, for instance, quite naturally want to live, in order to satisfy all my capacities for life, and not simply my capacity for reasoning, that is, not simply one twentieth of my capacity for life. What does reason know? Reason only knows what it has succeeded in learning (some things, perhaps, it will never learn; this is a poor comfort, but why not say so frankly?) and human nature acts as a whole, with everything that is in it, consciously or unconsciously, and, even if it goes wrong, it lives.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Demons (The Possessed) by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1872
Reason alone cannot fulfill the whole human experience; will integrates reason with emotions, instincts, and the full spectrum of life.
In simple terms: Reason is limited; will embraces all of life.
Key Takeaway
Balance rational thought with lived experience.
Themes
human nature
will
reason
existentialism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
existential
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- ethical decision making
- creative pursuits
- overcoming nihilism
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor both reason and instinct?
- What does a life guided solely by reason look like?
A Different Perspective
Reason may be insufficient for meaning; will can be misguided.
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