“ The fear of appearances is the first symptom of impotence. ”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment (1867). copy citation
| Author | Fyodor Dostoyevsky |
|---|---|
| Source | Crime and Punishment |
| Topic | fear society appearances |
| Date | 1867 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Constance Garnett |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2554/2554-h/2554-h.htm |
Context
“«But that's not so, not so! Brother, what are you saying?»
«Ah, it's not picturesque, not æsthetically attractive! I fail to understand why bombarding people by regular siege is more honourable. The fear of appearances is the first symptom of impotence. I've never, never recognised this more clearly than now, and I am further than ever from seeing that what I did was a crime. I've never, never been stronger and more convinced than now.»
The colour had rushed into his pale exhausted face, but as he uttered his last explanation, he happened to meet Dounia's eyes and he saw such anguish in them that he could not help being checked.” source
«Ah, it's not picturesque, not æsthetically attractive! I fail to understand why bombarding people by regular siege is more honourable. The fear of appearances is the first symptom of impotence. I've never, never recognised this more clearly than now, and I am further than ever from seeing that what I did was a crime. I've never, never been stronger and more convinced than now.»
The colour had rushed into his pale exhausted face, but as he uttered his last explanation, he happened to meet Dounia's eyes and he saw such anguish in them that he could not help being checked.” source
Meaning and analysis
