Dreams Quote by Leo Tolstoy
““So that is what my dream meant! Pashenka is what I ought to have been but failed to be. I lived for men on the pretext of living for God, while she lived for God imagining that she lives for men. Yes, one good deed--a cup of water given without thought of reward--is worth more than any benefit I imagined I was bestowing on people. But after all was there not some share of sincere desire to serve God?' he asked himself, and the answer was: 'Yes, there was, but it was all soiled and overgrown by desire for human praise. Yes, there is no God for the man who lives, as I did, for human praise. I will now seek Him!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Anna Karenina, 1877
The narrator realizes that self‑serving motives corrupt true devotion, and vows to pursue genuine spiritual purpose.
In simple terms: He sees that wanting praise ruins sincere service and decides to seek God.
Key Takeaway
Renounce ego‑driven actions.
Themes
spirituality
humility
self‑reflection
purpose
Mood
reflective
introspective
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- religious awakening
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
moral integrity
inner conflict
redemption
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your acts of kindness?
- How can you discern genuine service from self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
Human praise can mask true intentions, making spiritual growth difficult.
