“Where is it I've read that someone condemned to death says or thinks, an hour before his death, that if he had to live on some high rock, on such a narrow ledge that he'd only room to stand, and the ocean, everlasting darkness, everlasting solitude, everlasting tempest around him, if he had to remain standing on a square yard of space all his life, a thousand years, eternity, it were better to live so than to die at once. Only to live, to live and live! Life, whatever it may be!”
Quote Analysis
In this powerful quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the speaker contemplates the value of life in the face of imminent death. The imagery of being condemned to a high rock, surrounded by darkness, solitude, and tempest, conveys a sense of isolation and despair. Despite the difficult circumstances described, the speaker's desire to continue living is profound. This quote highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the innate instinct to cling to life, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. It speaks to the primal drive to survive and the endless pursuit of existence.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Fyodor Dostoevsky's work, the idea of the value of life itself is fiercely emphasized. This sentiment can be seen as relevant in modern society, where many individuals struggle with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. The quote serves as a reminder that despite hardships and challenges, the mere act of living is a precious gift that should be cherished and valued. Life, with all its complexities and uncertainties, is worth living and fighting for.
Example of Usage
Fyodor Dostoevsky, in his novel "The Idiot," delves deep into the complex nature of human existence and the desire for life in the face of death. The following quote from the novel reflects the profound fear of death and the overwhelming urge to cling to life, no matter the circumstances.
“Where is it I've read that someone condemned to death says or thinks, an hour before his death, that if he had to live on some high rock, on such a narrow ledge that he'd only room to stand, and the ocean, everlasting darkness, everlasting solitude, everlasting tempest around him, if he had to remain standing on a square yard of space all his life, a thousand years, eternity, it were better to live so than to die at once. Only to live, to live and live! Life, whatever it may be!” - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Reflection Questions:
As we ponder over this quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky, it raises deep questions about the value and meaning of life. Consider the following reflection questions:
- What does this quote suggest about the innate human desire to cling onto life, no matter the circumstances?
- How does the imagery of being confined to a narrow ledge for eternity influence your perspective on the importance of existence?
- Reflect on a time when you may have faced adversity or challenges that made you appreciate the gift of life more deeply.
- In what ways can this quote challenge your own views on the significance of living, despite the hardships that may come your way?
- How does this quote inspire you to cherish each moment and find meaning in even the darkest of times?
Similar quotes
“Where was it that I read about a man condemned to death saying or thinking, an hour before his death, that if he had to live somewhere high up on a cliffside, on a ledge so narrow that there was room only for his two feet - and with the abyss, the ocean, eternal darkness, eternal solitude, eternal storm all around him - and had to stay like that, on a square foot of space, an entire lifetime, a thousand years, an eternity - it would be better to live so than die right now! Only to live, to live, to live! To live, no matter how - only to live! ...How true! Lord, how true! Man is a scoundrel! And he's a scoundrel who calls him a scoundrel for that.”
“What is the matter with you?" asked Shcherbatsky."Nothing much, but there is little to be happy about in this world.""Little? You'd better come with me to Paris instead of going to some Mulhausen or other. You'll see how jolly it will be!""No, I have done with that; it is time for me to die.""That is a fine thing!" said Shcherbatsky, laughing. "I am only just beginning to live.""Yes, I thought so too till lately; but now I know that I shall soon die."Levin was saying what of late he had really been thinking. He saw death and the apprroach of death in everything; but the work he had begun interested him all the more. After all, he had to live his life somehow, til death came. Everything for him was wrapped in darkness; but just because of the darkness, feeling his work to be the only thread to guide him through the darkness, he seized upon it and clung to it with all his might.”
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”
“Tomorrow and plans for tomorrow can have no significance at all unless you are in full contact with the reality of the present, since it is in the present and only in the present that you live. There is no other reality than present reality, so that, even if one were to live for endless ages, to live for the future would be to miss the point everlastingly.”
“Nothing, nothing mattered, and I knew why. So did he. Throughout the whole absurd life I'd lived, a dark wind had been rising toward me from somewhere deep in my future, across years that were still to come, and as it passed, this wind leveled whatever was offered to me at the time, in years no more real than the ones I was living. What did other people's deaths or a mother's love matter to me; what did his God or the lives people choose or the fate they think they elect matter to me when we're all elected by the same fate, me and billions of privileged people like him who also called themselves my brothers? Couldn't he see, couldn't he see that? Everybody was privileged. There were only privileged people. The others would all be condemned one day. And he would be condemned, too.”