Dostoevsky warns against the self-deception that blinds an individual to reality. He argues that persistent self-deceit distorts perception, making it impossible to distinguish between what is real and what is a fabrication.
Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky: “A man who lies to himself and believes his own lies becomes unable to recognize truth.”
A man who lies to himself and believes his own lies becomes unable to recognize truth.
Insight
Historical Context
From a work that delves deep into the psychology of sin and redemption, this quote speaks to the profound moral decay that results from self-deception, a recurring theme in Dostoevsky's critique of human nature and societal ills.
About the Author
Russian novelist whose works including Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and The Idiot are foundational texts of world literature and existentialist thought. He served four years at hard labor in Siberia for political activity, an experience that transformed his understanding of suffering, faith, and the human soul.
View all quotes by Fyodor Dostoevsky