Best Quotes by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Reading literary quotes is a great way to be introduced to an author you aren’t familiar with. These quotes by Fyodor Dostoevsky are sure to encourage you to read some of his great work. (Be sure to check our favorite Dostoevsky books on the Amazon links at the end of this post.)

“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” –Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Man only likes to count his troubles; he doesn’t calculate his happiness.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing easier than flattery.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“To love someone means to see them as God intended them.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“My God, a moment of bliss. Why, isn’t that enough for a whole lifetime?” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“The cleverest of all, in my opinion, is the man who calls himself a fool at least once a month.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky

“You will burn and you will burn out; you will be healed and come back again.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

“If you want to overcome the whole world, overcome yourself.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Check out more awesome quotes in our Quote Vault.