Notes From the Underground

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

I swear to you, gentlemen, that to be overly conscious is a sickness,

I agree, overthinking and being too aware of everything around you, can make life harder, not easier. 😞

Oh, gentlemen, perhaps I really regard myself as an intelligent man only because throughout my entire life I've never been able to start or finish anything. Granted, granted I'm a babbler, a harmless, irksome babbler, as we all are. But what's to be done if the sole and express purpose of every intelligent man is babble – that is, a deliberate pouring from empty into void.

maybe the value is in the thinking itself, even if it doesn’t always lead to action. as Kant believes that thoughts and reason are essential parts of human existence even if they don't lead to practical outcomes! 🧍🏻‍♀️

Have you noticed that the most refined blood-shedders have almost all been the most civilized gentlemen,

nature does not ask our permission; that it must be accepted as it is, and not as we fancy, and if we are really aiming at a little table and a calendar, and . . . well, and even at a retort, then there's no help for it, we must accept the retort! Or else it will get accepted of itself, without you . . .”

This idea is similar to Hegel’s philosophy, especially his thoughts on how reality works and the importance of "accepting things as they are."

Maybe man does not love well-being only? Maybe he loves suffering just as much?

man only likes counting his grief, he doesn't count his happiness. But if he were to count properly, he'd see that there's enough of both lots for him.

Shall the world go to hell, or shall I not have my tea? I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.