If the devil doesn't exist, but man has created him, he has created him in his own image and likeness.
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyThe Brothers KaramazovPart 2, Book 5, chapter 4 ("Rebellion")Ivan Karamazov
I have seen the truth; I have seen and I know that people can be beautiful and happy without losing the power of living on earth. I will not and cannot believe that evil is the normal condition of mankind.
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyThe Dream of a Ridiculous ManChapter 5The ridiculous man
I didn't kill a human being, I killed a principle!
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyCrime and PunishmentPart 3, chapter 6Rodion Raskolnikov, to himself
Man grows used to everything, the scoundrel!
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyCrime and PunishmentPart 1, chapter 2Rodion Raskolnikov, to himself
If one wanted to crush and destroy a man entirely, to inflict on him the most terrible punishment, one need only give him work of an absolutely, completely useless and meaningless character.
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyThe House of the DeadPart 1, chapter 2 ("First Impressions")
It's not God that I don't accept, only I most respectfully return Him the ticket.
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyThe Brothers KaramazovPart 2, Book 5, chapter 4 ("Rebellion")Ivan Karamazov
The higher harmony is not worth the tears of one tortured child.
GenuineFyodor DostoevskyThe Brothers KaramazovPart 2, Book 5, chapter 4 ("Rebellion")Ivan Karamazov
Circulating, but not genuine
The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.
Not found in their worksattributed to Fyodor Dostoevsky