“An anxiety with no object or purpose in the present, and in the future nothing but endless sacrifice, by means of which he would attain nothing - that was what his days on earth held in store for him... What good was life to him? What prospects did he have? What did he have to strive for? Was he to live merely in order to exist? But a thousand times before he had been ready to give up his existence for an idea, for a hope, even for an imagining. Existence on its own had never been enough for him; he had always wanted more than that. Perhaps it was merely the strength of his own desires that made him believe he was a person to whom more was allowed than others.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Fyodor Dostoevsky, the character is grappling with feelings of existential dread and purposelessness. The character questions the point of life if it only involves endless sacrifice and no tangible rewards. This passage highlights the internal struggle of the character, who has always desired more from life than mere existence. The desire for something greater, coupled with the realization of the futility of existence, serves as a powerful exploration of human nature and the search for meaning in life.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Fyodor Dostoevsky's work, the protagonist questions the purpose and meaning of their existence, feeling trapped in a cycle of endless sacrifice with no clear goal in sight. This existential struggle is something that many people can relate to in the modern world, as they grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and fulfillment in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. The search for meaning and the desire for something more than mere existence are themes that continue to resonate with individuals today.
Reflection on Existential Anxiety
The passage from Fyodor Dostoevsky's work explores the concept of existential anxiety and the struggle to find meaning in life. The protagonist questions the purpose of his existence and grapples with the idea that mere existence is not enough for him. This inner turmoil reflects a common theme in existentialist literature, where characters often face a sense of despair and nihilism.
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on Fyodor Dostoevsky's poignant words, we are prompted to question the purpose of our own existence and the desires that drive us. Consider the following questions:
- What gives your life meaning and purpose?
- Are you constantly seeking more than just mere existence?
- How do you navigate the balance between sacrifice and fulfillment in your life?
- Have you ever sacrificed for an idea, hope, or imagining? If so, was it worth it?
- Do you believe that some individuals are allowed or entitled to strive for more in life than others?
Similar quotes
“Existence alone had never been enough for him; he had always wanted more. Perhaps it was only from the force of his desires that he had regarded himself as a man to whom more was permitted than to others.”
“There was no good or bad connected with anything any more.......He regretted nothing; wanted nothing. He was simply existing, and the way things were was the way they had always been and always would be. He didn't care any more. He did what had to be done, and endured in a timeless present, without past or future.”
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“The past was gone and the future had yet to unfold, and he knew he should focus his life on the present…yet his day-to-day existence suddenly struck him as endless and unbearable.”
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