“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!”
Explore This Quote Further
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.”
“Do you believe in a future everlasting life?No, not in a future everlasting but in an everlasting life here. There are moments, you reach moments, and time comes to a sudden stop, and it will become eternal.”
“It wasn't the New World that mattered... Columbus died almost without seeing it; and not really knowing what he had discovered. It's life that matters, nothing but life — the process of discovering, the everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself, at all.”
“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.”
“If you were to destroy the belief in immortality in mankind, not only love but every living force on which the continuation of all life in the world depended, would dry up at once.”
“Without a clear perception of his reasons for living, man will never consent to live, and will rather destroy himself than tarry on earth, though he be surrounded with bread".”