“ suffering is the sole origin of consciousness. ”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Notes from Underground (1864). copy citation
| Author | Fyodor Dostoyevsky |
|---|---|
| Source | Notes from Underground |
| Topic | suffering consciousness |
| Date | 1864 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/600/600-h/600-h.htm |
Context
“In the "Palace of Crystal" it is unthinkable; suffering means doubt, negation, and what would be the good of a "palace of crystal" if there could be any doubt about it? And yet I think man will never renounce real suffering, that is, destruction and chaos. Why, suffering is the sole origin of consciousness. Though I did lay it down at the beginning that consciousness is the greatest misfortune for man, yet I know man prizes it and would not give it up for any satisfaction. Consciousness, for instance, is infinitely superior to twice two makes four.”
source
Meaning and analysis
