He is saying, if the fool does not care what does it matter! Vision takes hold in many forms. He is on the next steps of reason; and if it forms with instinct the terms of gravity then tears everything apart to use what is called the mental aspect used to transform! If in turn something goes in different direction the world then will lose itself! The world is lost anyway! What has gone to pot?
Can you understand, how Dostoevsky there was the Russian military engineer managing to explaining for all you some principles of philosophy of Russian soldier about priority of responsibility of man as an intellectual and spiritual creature?!
you can become more and more intelligent...or you can start to drink wodka and became stupid...you can become many ,many things..so where is this Dostoevsky wisdom ...
the master of existentialism, the first author in the world's history of litterature who introduced the concept of existentialism, a man's life in the world is the basis of all reflections and must be taken into account before his or her essence.
@koisumaz2000 - English is my second language , But I do not dream in English Maybe you lived in USA long time and you came as little boy , I studied English in School and when I speak , English speakers have hard time understanding.
RUSSIAN and ENGLISH are far off get over it. When I speak Polish to Polish people they think I am Polish no accent whatsoever , When I speak English to British they never say are you British ? NEVER. My accent is terrible. OK
That is true. I'm Croatian, so Slavic roots enable me to understand his language constructions pretty good, but after years of studying Russian language I can finally read Dostoevsky, Gogol (and especially Saltykov-Schedrin, he is really hard in the beginning of studying)) with understanding it completely. Of all the Russian writers, Dostoevsky is my favorite. His sheer intelligence combined with his excellent understanding of morality and high education are second to none.
@koisumaz2000 English is an extremely rich language. It is a myth among Europeans that English is an easy language due to its relatively easy grammar, yet I haven't seen much foreigners speaking good English. I still agree that reading it in original would be always the best option.
@fearlessftw Yes, it is. That's why I prefer reading some British autors in original. The language is a mirror of the culture. Russian imperial culture was quite different than British one. The vocabulary and the way of thinking is different too. That's why Tolstoy and Dostoevsky translated in English are quite different autors. You actually read not them, but the translator, getting them second hand. The same way I feel when I read two different translations of the same text.
@fearlessftw English is not an easy language, and it is very rich due to its french german and latin content, still it can express only about 30% of Dostoevskiy. A lot of russian words just dont have english equivalent.
@koisumaz2000 I wish I knew Russian for that reason. I met a Russian who studied Dostoevsky and said he has yet to read an English translation that can even touch the Russian.
- Dostoyevsky is crazy genius , the life is not just work and shopping. There is something more than that, all people want to know where is or is there real truth.
@klabauterkauz That's right...If you were born to be something, you will be something...if you were born as a a fool, you'll need to 'become' something...Geniuses don't need to 'become' geniuses, they just were born like that; they just need to realize it. (and sorry for my terrible english)
The message isnt very becoming. All is nihilism. Oh well. You can either resign yourself to this and simply kill yourself or waste away, or at least attempt to achieve some relative level of significance, or self indulgence. Even if it is futile, you might as well enjoy it and not hate it.
I think the underground man is, in a way, a far more miserably poignant version of good old Hamlet. the overconscious- intelligent- but all in all inadecuate.
Insert the 'seriously' - honesty- theme at core. To 'Seriously become something' means being able to build your self on some inner-outer absolute certainty.
WHEN THE VOICE SAYS "FOOL" THE FACE OF GEORGE BUSH APPEARS. JUST MAYBE I AM SUGGESTED TO THINK THAT THERE WAS A SLIGHTLY BIT SUBTLE INTENTION TO POINT THAT THE CONCEPT OF "FOOL" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT OF "GEORGE W. BUSH". BUT THEN, MAYBE I AM NOT ENOUGH NAÏVE YET. BUT I´LL STRIVE TO BE...
I remember Notes From Underground being my introduction to Dostoevsky. Then I read Crime and Punishment, had my mind blown, and immediately ran out to get The Brothers Karamazov, which was amazing strictly for the scenes detailing the relationship between Alyosha and Elder Zozima (spelling?).
The book was packed with much more, obviously, but once Dmitry was captured I began to rapidly lose interest and had to force myself through the interrogations. But then the book rocked again.
I could of thought of lots of people to put in place of bush as your fool. All that to show your hate on for Bush. I think it says more about what a fool you are, to think he is. You think a fool can get a MBA from HARVARD? I think he lives rent free in your brain. Get over him. Focus on a real fool. Barrack Husein Obama.
@joelubbock Bush and Obama are not fools. It takes an extremly clever and intelligent man to corrupt himself enough to rise above all others in a corrupt system. If anything we, the people, are the fools for continuing to allow them to play games with us.
Wrong!! An intelligent man can become somebody. The prime example is in this video. Einstein was an enormous success and still is to this day. Einstein was a super star in his day. George Bush will be marked st one of the worst, if not THE worst, president ever. So lets measure like Eintstein did L x W x D x TIME.....These images are not really influential for anybody who has read anything about Einstein.
The Underground Man is actually a fool if you really think about it. He's a pseudointellectual with naive ideas and Dostoevsky exposes him. There's actually a lot of humor in Notes from Underground.
Not really. Dickens spoke for England, Dostoevsky for Russia. That's all. They're both men of Genius and incredible skill, but both with entirely different purposes.
Dostoevsky: Spiritual crisis of 19th century Russia
Dickens: Corruption of 19th century England, the need for social reform.
@ADONAIS9991 Well obviously they belonged to different nations and cultures. I wasn't talking about their cultural background but their literary genius. And what I was saying is: Dostoevsky is on a different level. He makes Dickens' books look like superficial little novels. Like a puddle to a lake.
And Dostoevsky's work isn't just about the spiritual crisis of 19th century Russia.
With Dickens the story is the essence; with Dostoevsky the story is just the pretext to actually say something.
And yes, English is my favourite language. I like Russian too. But I'm Swedish-Danish. Dickens and Dostoevsky are my two favourite writers, and if I want intriguing psychological-theological read I go for Dostoevsky, if I want intriguing sociological-political satire/comedy/drama I turn to Dickens. I treasure them both as Geniuses and briliant men of their respective nations. That's that.
@ADONAIS9991 Of course you think that: you said the prime objective of literature is to entertain, and you cite fame as a criterium for how good a writer someone is (which is even more idiotic when you know that part of my argument was that Dickens is overrated). This makes me think you shouldn't read books anymore; just wait till the movie comes out.
And the thing about you just retaliating: you replied to me, and you said 'blab all you like' before I had said anything to provoke you.
Hmmm...brilliant observations...I guess I'll just drop all my opinions and embrace MIGHTY DOSTOEVSKY!!! ALL HAIL THE DEPRESSING RUSSIAN!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!
I don't care how much it enrages you to nitpick and try and find petty flaws in my ideas, I'm not going anywhere. I don't know why you find it so hard to believe that someone could like Dickens, but I do.
You can't deny facts. They're both internationally recognised Great Writers. I'll never stop reading, and I don't watch movies.
@ADONAIS9991 You seem to have the wrong impression. I never told you what to like and what not. You responded to my view by blabbing, as you call it, about what you think. It's not like you were reading Dickens and I walked by spitting on your book and telling you to burn it.
And you say you love Dostoevsky but now he's the depressing Russian. And please note that this video is about one of his quotes; if you don't want to "hail" to it then maybe you should look for an Oliver Twist video.
Telling me that Dickens wrote for ladies in the salon like me is spitting on every book by Dickens that I've read and enjoyed, and I'm not going to let that pass- even at the expense of 'insulting' my 2nd favourite author Dostoevsky, who I playfully referred to by my nickname for him to emphasise your bizarre militant hatred for Dickens. Forgive my 'babbling' as you persist in reiterating, but I must hurry off and watch an Oliver Twist video. Dostoevsky loved that book.
@ADONAIS9991 I don't hate Dickens and never said so. I just firmly feel like he pales in comparison to Dostoevsky. I could read any Dostoevsky book and then read any Dickens book and feel like I've just finished a children's novel.
Again: you can go read what you want.
And he also loved gambling; doesn't necessarily make it a good thing.
Nice sarcasm... But that doesn't necessarily make it a good thing either. Now, seeing as we've arrived at this stalemate, and as you have your inveterate convictions and I mine, I say we call this ridiculous argument off. I admit I was nettled by much of it, but that was only beacuse you were so great defending Dostoevsky. I'm sorry if I said anything hurtful, and please forgive my puerile retorts. If that's OK then we're done.
i am quiet young and do not fully understand all of dostojevskij. but i look forward to the day i can read and understand books like "notes from undergrund"
If you like Dostoevsky than you'll like American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis. It's very similar writing but applied to modern times. Interesting note on American Psycho. The chararcter was based on Brett Easton Elli's father. Read the back stories on American Psycho and you'll understand 'Notes from the Underground'- Dillusional minds are a running theme for Dostoevsky: and the same goes for American Psycho. It's ok to daydream but know how to seperate thoughts, life, reality, delusion.:)
The choice of pictures is hysterical and sometimes plain wrong. The Underground Man's idea of intelligence is not anything like Einstein's, Einstein is a scientist, and the Underground Man rejects science as a stupid consolation for the futility of existence that only an intelligent man like the Underground Man appreciates. The Underground Man would think a humanist like Einstein to be a fool. The Underground Man's idea of a truly enlightened philosopher king would be Adolph Hitler.
Superb. I feel the quote represents the inertia experienced by one who weighs up every concieveable option due to his ability to do so juxtaposed with the fool who simply rushes in.
The mystic derives pleasure from the sane and insane Giving repentance and receiving grief Some question existence with torturous maladies Bringing forth idealistic bombastic platitudes Delivering dialects of scorn pasting ignominy in kind Sitting and waiting by the planets moon
I wonder if Dostoevsky is saying that it is only an illusion that one can actually arrive at "being" someone, as if man can fit such a generalization of being a hero, etc. As he said himself, "Man is broad; indeed, too broad," as he already contains all the possibilities within him without "becoming" something and thus eliminating all the other aspects of his being. Those are only my humble speculations of course...I am sure there are many other interpretations that are equally valid.
Bravo for those who actually read books and try to understand the thoughts and ideas which come out from the underneath of the scriptic words. For those who read only the daily horoscope and the weather forecast... this is for you guys... (it's unbelieveble how many ignorants, fools and pretended "intellectuals" are out there... And here too.)
again bro.. loved your video.. i havent seen something so monumental on youtube in ages..
one think i thought was cliche was the Bush (i think Reagan was worse) bashing.. i mean yeah he is an idiot but all our presidents have been uneducated fools in the modern era.. i think a pic of JFK would have been more appropriate and less cliche.. but other than that bravo with an exclamation mark.. BRAVO!!!!
i would imagine F.D. is speaking from the third person about someone he knew.. someone exponentially more brilliant and sensitive than him who failed miserably at everything he attempted.. probably this person influenced him greatly and while he achieved literary success this influential man.. nothing..
because Dostoevsky was highly intelligent and he accomplished very very much.. basically, him, Tolstoy and Flaubert changed the way I view everything....
It would seem that this passage from Notes from Underground is simplistic. Do not be fooled, the underground man is simply portraying nihilism to a degree. At first he says he cannot be anything, what should stick out is " i cannot be good or evil". Thus he is saying that there is no point of being anything. Later he says he can only win if he is a fool, but this is a contrast to his belief system, in his opinion a intelligent man is himself and a fool is a man who doesnt understand a life.
since I was around 7 y/o I starting noticing how vague and delusional most are, and was so concern about being so different , when I started growing and read certain autors like dostoevsky , nietzsche, marian moore, kahlil Gibran, and more,felt like I was on the right train of mind :) don't ever feel afraid to think out of the box.
"David Cecil used to say that only second rate-minds are afraid of the obvious. Tolstoy, who belonged so self-confidently to the 'first rate' in the literary league-table of the world - with Homer and Shakespeare - was never afraid of the obvious, was never worried by the fear of simplicity."
- A.N. Wilson from the introduction to Tolstoy's How Much Land Does A Man Need
Apparently you feel the urge or need to come off as impressive. In isolating one aspect of my statement (As you have with Dostoevsky's) and responding to it critically, you've deflected from the subject of my statement, which, though superficially critical, is qualified by my preface of "out of context". Instead of using this as an opportunity to teach, you immediately saw the "criticism" and went on the defensive. (Careful, what you expose.) The opportunity is still there.
"you immediately saw the "criticism" and went on the defensive"
Yes, sorry. I understand that this excerpt has a different meaning than the one communicated by presenting on its own. I thought it had an important meaning, one that would be clear to a listener regardless of whether they know the full context of the quote. Which is, roughly, that self pity accomplishes nothing. Thanks.
Question. (three) Is there a biography on Dostoevsky you would recommend, a book of literary criticism, and if you were to recommend one of his books (collection of short stories or novel) which would it be? Thanks.
isnt it easy to say its meaningless out of context because A. it does not talk in general terms B. just from this one statement you do not know the story of the book...at face value of the language, there is nothing much to take in, other than a proclamation of loneliness, but taking it on a personal level, as literature should be taken, cant people identify with this? i feel that i did anyway. furthermore, the statement "an intelligent man cannot seriouslybecome anything" is very profound.
It's easy for a statement that is taken out of context to lose its true or intended meaning. Which is why, when you're going to isolate a quote, you try to find a statement that can stand alone. I've not read this story, so I can't speak to it's context. But as an isolated statement - to me, it's meaningless. Also, once you attach images (out of time and context) to this statement you are very specifically altering or attempting to influence it's meaning. You say it's "very profound"...how so?
sorry yea, that profound word, i hated it when id typed it, shud have used another word...i get what your saying completely, i think if youve read the book and then isolate this quote, it has alot of meaning because your aware of the background and it does stand out, but yea, having just looked at this with no knowledge of the book i can understand why it would seem meaningless. by the way...read the book, its amazing.
@heavenundertheearth self pity accomplishes nothing. I got a different meaning due to personal matters, but I guess self pity is a good way to describe the meaning of the quote, what I got from it, was confusion, no sence of direction in one's life, they're lost, unable to find their potential. Love the quote, absolutely powerfull. I paid attention to the words not your voice, and thats what matters. Fools critisize, wise men listen.
He must have been referring to the Goulag when he wrote that. I can identify with him, in that i am a decent musician, teaching several instruements. Yet if i were a model with no discernable talent and a global marketing strategy i could become a successful musician.
It's very true that if you were a model and had a global marketing strategy you could become wealthy and liked by many people. But im sure you remain far more respected than what you could be than what you are now which i would call a successful musician. I have never ever thought that money and fame can make someone successful- what has one truly accomplished if they have not made anything "new". Although you can be wealthy and successful, these two items are not mutually exclusive.
i read all your comments and found out that you guys are programmed to strive for success. That's your upbringing. Dostoyevski taunted guys like you who are success oriented. There is also a parallel universe that doesn't care about success dudes
I would say I'm goal, not success, oriented. And the vid. tries to give credit for what Fyodor wrote (and its interpretations), not necassarily what he meant by it. Thanks for commenting.
Here I am speaking as a complete nihilist. Goal oriented is no different than success oriented. There is no orientation for some very few of us who are nihilists if you will. We mock everyone and even ourselves in our deepest and sincerest thoughts. Actually it is like liars paradox. Nihilists have absurd belief. And ironically belief is something that nihilists laugh upon. Sorry about my nonsense. English not my language.
Remember that Dostoevsky was a hard working man himself, and did work really hard on his last novel. He makes amazing observations and arguments but doesn't always personally believe them.
Nice video except that the symbolism of Bush and Rummy with "only a fool can become something" at the end contradicts the Underground Man's statement. Reason for this is because the picture of Bush and Rummy proves that a fool actually can become something, like the head of the Executive branch in the our Gov't. This basically justifies the Underground man's existence. Not only his existence but the logic behind it: Society has the potential to be very stupid and push people into corners.
Um...I don't think the Underground man was saying that a fool can't become something, if I understand your comment. I think he means that fools might be able to become something but that fools are not the only people that do something with their lives, intelligent men and women can too, it does not make you intelligent to do nothing with your life because you see the world as corrupt. Thanks for the comment, let me know if we agree.
Well, I wasn't coming from the presumption that "a fool can't become something" because that is not stated anywhere. I was replying to "the bitter and useless consolation". The Underground man taunts himself with this futile consolation, but whats to say its only his psychological way of finding solace and not complete and utter reality?
If we say he is stupid or not intelligent for excusing himself from life then we are basically putting the blame all on him. Can he really hold all responsibility for the current state of his life? If you have read The Karamazov Brothers then you know the answer to that...
My Interpretation is that he couldn't make anything of himself, he was a neutral observer in life he had no passion and no achievement. Then he is "In his corner taunting himself with the bitter and useless consolation", meaning that it is useless and stupid to excuse yourself from life by saying that you are 'too intelligent' or 'to good' to participate in society, in the game of life. He is saying that engaging in life is not naive.
The words of a genius uttered by a fool.
morrowindfan75 1 month ago
This is pretty sad...I can actually relate to this quote :/
Zahinn 2 months ago
I always interpreted the Underground Man's voice to be more similar to a laughing madman's, but it's nice to hear other interpretations.
ModestDollesin 3 months ago
@ModestDollesin thanks.
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
@ModestDollesin thanks
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
Would love to hear you read more. Enjoyed this.
SadieDammit 3 months ago
I like how the part for fool is Bush.
Riste1986 4 months ago
He is saying, if the fool does not care what does it matter! Vision takes hold in many forms. He is on the next steps of reason; and if it forms with instinct the terms of gravity then tears everything apart to use what is called the mental aspect used to transform! If in turn something goes in different direction the world then will lose itself! The world is lost anyway! What has gone to pot?
in2dionysus 4 months ago
Can you understand, how Dostoevsky there was the Russian military engineer managing to explaining for all you some principles of philosophy of Russian soldier about priority of responsibility of man as an intellectual and spiritual creature?!
Sergeyspb2009 6 months ago
sorry but your smacking while talking is just horrible. pls work on it.
Nulharl 6 months ago
English is better for Mathematic - technological language.
Russian is better for literature, poetry ... you can more express in Slavic languages than English.
BaulMr 7 months ago 3
you can become more and more intelligent...or you can start to drink wodka and became stupid...you can become many ,many things..so where is this Dostoevsky wisdom ...
LucianoPiz 7 months ago
the master of existentialism, the first author in the world's history of litterature who introduced the concept of existentialism, a man's life in the world is the basis of all reflections and must be taken into account before his or her essence.
TheAdelcom 9 months ago
"With love one can live, even without happiness"
My favorite quote, from the same book.
SquigPie 9 months ago
One of the greatest authors ever! Much missed. RIP.
PlayIt4MeAgainSam 11 months ago
@koisumaz2000 - English is my second language , But I do not dream in English Maybe you lived in USA long time and you came as little boy , I studied English in School and when I speak , English speakers have hard time understanding.
RUSSIAN and ENGLISH are far off get over it. When I speak Polish to Polish people they think I am Polish no accent whatsoever , When I speak English to British they never say are you British ? NEVER. My accent is terrible. OK
aviomaster 1 year ago
@koisumaz2000 -- Yes it is easy for Slavic nations to learn Russian and to understand all of Dostoyevsky cause Slavic languages are so close.
But to English speaker to learn Russian and get that 60 % is I think impossible.
English and Russian are far off.
aviomaster 1 year ago
@aviomaster
Really, how do I know English then?
koisumaz2000 1 year ago
Learn Russian and read it in Russian. English can express less than 30% Dostoevsky.
koisumaz2000 1 year ago 15
@koisumaz2000 doubt it
fearlessftw 1 year ago
@koisumaz2000
That is true. I'm Croatian, so Slavic roots enable me to understand his language constructions pretty good, but after years of studying Russian language I can finally read Dostoevsky, Gogol (and especially Saltykov-Schedrin, he is really hard in the beginning of studying)) with understanding it completely. Of all the Russian writers, Dostoevsky is my favorite. His sheer intelligence combined with his excellent understanding of morality and high education are second to none.
ScienceFecality 1 month ago
@koisumaz2000 English is an extremely rich language. It is a myth among Europeans that English is an easy language due to its relatively easy grammar, yet I haven't seen much foreigners speaking good English. I still agree that reading it in original would be always the best option.
fearlessftw 1 month ago
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koisumaz2000 1 month ago
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@fearlessftw Yes, it is. That's why I prefer reading some British autors in original. The language is a mirror of the culture. Russian imperial culture was quite different than British one. The vocabulary and the way of thinking is different too. That's why Tolstoy and Dostoevsky translated in English are quite different autors. You actually read not them, but the translator, getting them second hand. The same way I feel when I read two different translations of the same text.
koisumaz2000 1 month ago
@fearlessftw English is not an easy language, and it is very rich due to its french german and latin content, still it can express only about 30% of Dostoevskiy. A lot of russian words just dont have english equivalent.
ThatSovietRussia 1 month ago
@koisumaz2000 I wish I knew Russian for that reason. I met a Russian who studied Dostoevsky and said he has yet to read an English translation that can even touch the Russian.
sageSPH 2 weeks ago
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahaahhahaaha
drunkelf 1 year ago
- Dostoyevsky is crazy genius , the life is not just work and shopping. There is something more than that, all people want to know where is or is there real truth.
aviomaster 1 year ago 3
thanks
batasi 1 year ago
It will be nothing doesn't mean there will be only nobody.
SHINYamAHA21 1 year ago
only a fool can become something?
klabauterkauz 1 year ago
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gre1990 1 year ago
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@klabauterkauz That's right...If you were born to be something, you will be something...if you were born as a a fool, you'll need to 'become' something...Geniuses don't need to 'become' geniuses, they just were born like that; they just need to realize it. (and sorry for my terrible english)
gre1990 1 year ago
Читайте его в Россию, а затем перевести его.
santtiagoforttes 1 year ago
@santtiagoforttes <3 google translator. Your message translates as "Read him towards Russia, and then to translate him."
one love.
saitaro 1 year ago
Wow, I am just now reading the book he quoted! You're never to young to read Dostoevsky.
mumumumusikman2 1 year ago
The message isnt very becoming. All is nihilism. Oh well. You can either resign yourself to this and simply kill yourself or waste away, or at least attempt to achieve some relative level of significance, or self indulgence. Even if it is futile, you might as well enjoy it and not hate it.
ColdCypher 1 year ago 2
I think the underground man is, in a way, a far more miserably poignant version of good old Hamlet. the overconscious- intelligent- but all in all inadecuate.
Insert the 'seriously' - honesty- theme at core. To 'Seriously become something' means being able to build your self on some inner-outer absolute certainty.
All actions demand illusion is the lesson.
shatomanya 1 year ago
my favorite verse from "notes...
klavierflame 1 year ago
WHEN THE VOICE SAYS "FOOL" THE FACE OF GEORGE BUSH APPEARS. JUST MAYBE I AM SUGGESTED TO THINK THAT THERE WAS A SLIGHTLY BIT SUBTLE INTENTION TO POINT THAT THE CONCEPT OF "FOOL" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT OF "GEORGE W. BUSH". BUT THEN, MAYBE I AM NOT ENOUGH NAÏVE YET. BUT I´LL STRIVE TO BE...
TheTokit 1 year ago
@TheTokit it was not a suggestion, i tried not to be subtle.
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
fooul can become something ...
aviomaster 1 year ago
I remember Notes From Underground being my introduction to Dostoevsky. Then I read Crime and Punishment, had my mind blown, and immediately ran out to get The Brothers Karamazov, which was amazing strictly for the scenes detailing the relationship between Alyosha and Elder Zozima (spelling?).
The book was packed with much more, obviously, but once Dmitry was captured I began to rapidly lose interest and had to force myself through the interrogations. But then the book rocked again.
SevenWritez 1 year ago
Ahh Dostoevsky, the mad russian.
This dude is awesom.
RE55 1 year ago
A Bitter Punk can ONLY become NOTHING!
joelubbock 1 year ago
I could of thought of lots of people to put in place of bush as your fool. All that to show your hate on for Bush. I think it says more about what a fool you are, to think he is. You think a fool can get a MBA from HARVARD? I think he lives rent free in your brain. Get over him. Focus on a real fool. Barrack Husein Obama.
joelubbock 1 year ago
@joelubbock Bush and Obama are not fools. It takes an extremly clever and intelligent man to corrupt himself enough to rise above all others in a corrupt system. If anything we, the people, are the fools for continuing to allow them to play games with us.
Billcot1 1 year ago
I like the pictures you used!!
jessi95605 1 year ago
My respect for this man, as one artist to another, is everlasting and untouchable.
b4ssfactory 1 year ago
Isn't being intelligent becoming something?
AkakiAkakiovich 1 year ago
-- That is true only a fool can become something ....
That is true.
aviomaster 1 year ago
Wrong!! An intelligent man can become somebody. The prime example is in this video. Einstein was an enormous success and still is to this day. Einstein was a super star in his day. George Bush will be marked st one of the worst, if not THE worst, president ever. So lets measure like Eintstein did L x W x D x TIME.....These images are not really influential for anybody who has read anything about Einstein.
eyoutuby 1 year ago
This is specific to the Underground Man.
And I don't think Dostoevsky means "somebody" in the worldly sense. It's an existentialist novel.
Komnenos1234 1 year ago
LOL I think Bush is down there, but the worst ones by far are Jimmy Carter, and Carter 2.0 Barack Obama.
majordroogie 1 year ago
I just picked up that book yesterday and am going to start it tomorrow hopefully!
Dinasourmaddog4 1 year ago
The quote is fantastic, the narrator cringeworthy haha
hannibalsloat 1 year ago
Who read the quote?
Is the clip from a movie or audiobook?
WhySoSerious4561 2 years ago
@WhySoSerious4561 i read it. but i've seen audiobook for Notes from Underground.
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
I love this. I'm just finishing Crime and Punishment. ooh man. so good.
wetfoodstamps 2 years ago 3
im reading the idiot now, it is breaking me to pieces
Zhivet Dostoyevski!
8peregrint8 2 years ago
I love Dostoevsky. I owe the man my life, because he saved it or rather, showed me someone who could save it.
Youlube32 2 years ago 32
I think he does a really good job with it...
whiteenvelope1985 2 years ago
Right on.
tinofpop90 2 years ago
The words of a genius, read by a pretentious oath.
tinofpop90 2 years ago 55
so true!
lbocvarov89 2 years ago
Arh, come on.
dreamcracker99 2 years ago
@tinofpop90
The Underground Man is actually a fool if you really think about it. He's a pseudointellectual with naive ideas and Dostoevsky exposes him. There's actually a lot of humor in Notes from Underground.
andrewtheman19 1 year ago
@andrewtheman19 the guy reading has a silly way
tinofpop90 1 year ago
@tinofpop90 you should see me walk
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
@tinofpop90
You mean oaf, oaf.
henrythesteinberg 1 year ago
@henrythesteinberg Thank you for correcting me, I guess I am an oaf.
tinofpop90 1 year ago
@tinofpop90 No problem. I live to help.
henrythesteinberg 1 year ago
@tinofpop90 oaf?
HesOneBruv 1 year ago
@HesOneBruv absolutely
tinofpop90 1 year ago
@tinofpop90 as well as an oaf
Stylefree83 1 year ago
@Stylefree83 what?
tinofpop90 1 year ago
@tinofpop90 Why do you say that?
mtldemon6 8 months ago
@tinofpop90 A good insult, written by someone who doesn't know how to spell 'oaf'.
tabguy14 7 months ago 3
@tinofpop90
49 people dont know how to spell oaf
Takoma13 5 months ago 7
@Takoma13 ROFL
SadieDammit 3 months ago
@tinofpop90 Learn to spell you cunt.
Gneisenau 3 months ago
@tinofpop90 hello. you misspelled oaf.
heavenundertheearth 3 months ago
the greatest novelist to ever live.
riskyshotz 2 years ago 4
god damn you are right
Dima223223 2 years ago
Charles Dickens vanishes in comparison to Dostoevsky.
It's a shame this isn't more widely realised, in this time of anglocentrism.
ytzuigt 2 years ago 2
@ytzuigt
I agree, Charles Dickens is wall-paper in comparison.
cyrustic 1 year ago
@ytzuigt
Not really. Dickens spoke for England, Dostoevsky for Russia. That's all. They're both men of Genius and incredible skill, but both with entirely different purposes.
Dostoevsky: Spiritual crisis of 19th century Russia
Dickens: Corruption of 19th century England, the need for social reform.
ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 Well obviously they belonged to different nations and cultures. I wasn't talking about their cultural background but their literary genius. And what I was saying is: Dostoevsky is on a different level. He makes Dickens' books look like superficial little novels. Like a puddle to a lake.
And Dostoevsky's work isn't just about the spiritual crisis of 19th century Russia.
With Dickens the story is the essence; with Dostoevsky the story is just the pretext to actually say something.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
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ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 Dickens wrote for the ladies in the salons. And ladies like you.
And you've proven my point really: Dickens is way overrated, due to the hegemony of anglophile dummies such as yourself.
And let me guess: your favorite language is english? you rebel you.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
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ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991
And yes, English is my favourite language. I like Russian too. But I'm Swedish-Danish. Dickens and Dostoevsky are my two favourite writers, and if I want intriguing psychological-theological read I go for Dostoevsky, if I want intriguing sociological-political satire/comedy/drama I turn to Dickens. I treasure them both as Geniuses and briliant men of their respective nations. That's that.
ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 Of course you think that: you said the prime objective of literature is to entertain, and you cite fame as a criterium for how good a writer someone is (which is even more idiotic when you know that part of my argument was that Dickens is overrated). This makes me think you shouldn't read books anymore; just wait till the movie comes out.
And the thing about you just retaliating: you replied to me, and you said 'blab all you like' before I had said anything to provoke you.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
@ytzuigt
Hmmm...brilliant observations...I guess I'll just drop all my opinions and embrace MIGHTY DOSTOEVSKY!!! ALL HAIL THE DEPRESSING RUSSIAN!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!
I don't care how much it enrages you to nitpick and try and find petty flaws in my ideas, I'm not going anywhere. I don't know why you find it so hard to believe that someone could like Dickens, but I do.
You can't deny facts. They're both internationally recognised Great Writers. I'll never stop reading, and I don't watch movies.
ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 You seem to have the wrong impression. I never told you what to like and what not. You responded to my view by blabbing, as you call it, about what you think. It's not like you were reading Dickens and I walked by spitting on your book and telling you to burn it.
And you say you love Dostoevsky but now he's the depressing Russian. And please note that this video is about one of his quotes; if you don't want to "hail" to it then maybe you should look for an Oliver Twist video.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
@ytzuigt
Telling me that Dickens wrote for ladies in the salon like me is spitting on every book by Dickens that I've read and enjoyed, and I'm not going to let that pass- even at the expense of 'insulting' my 2nd favourite author Dostoevsky, who I playfully referred to by my nickname for him to emphasise your bizarre militant hatred for Dickens. Forgive my 'babbling' as you persist in reiterating, but I must hurry off and watch an Oliver Twist video. Dostoevsky loved that book.
ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 I don't hate Dickens and never said so. I just firmly feel like he pales in comparison to Dostoevsky. I could read any Dostoevsky book and then read any Dickens book and feel like I've just finished a children's novel.
Again: you can go read what you want.
And he also loved gambling; doesn't necessarily make it a good thing.
Enjoy the video.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
@ytzuigt
Nice sarcasm... But that doesn't necessarily make it a good thing either. Now, seeing as we've arrived at this stalemate, and as you have your inveterate convictions and I mine, I say we call this ridiculous argument off. I admit I was nettled by much of it, but that was only beacuse you were so great defending Dostoevsky. I'm sorry if I said anything hurtful, and please forgive my puerile retorts. If that's OK then we're done.
ADONAIS9991 1 year ago
@ADONAIS9991 Thank you.
ytzuigt 1 year ago
@ytzuigt
Hey.........don't compare the incomparable. No one's doing any vanishing in my library.
ZITEO111 1 year ago 3
I may well be wrong, but I always took this as meaning an intelligent man cannot become because he understands that he already is.
footstink35 2 years ago 2
i am quiet young and do not fully understand all of dostojevskij. but i look forward to the day i can read and understand books like "notes from undergrund"
dreamcracker99 2 years ago
If you like Dostoevsky than you'll like American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis. It's very similar writing but applied to modern times. Interesting note on American Psycho. The chararcter was based on Brett Easton Elli's father. Read the back stories on American Psycho and you'll understand 'Notes from the Underground'- Dillusional minds are a running theme for Dostoevsky: and the same goes for American Psycho. It's ok to daydream but know how to seperate thoughts, life, reality, delusion.:)
eyoutuby 1 year ago
Your mind is very powerful !!! It can make you or break you. It depends on how you see the world you are in and how you see yourself......good luck!
eyoutuby 1 year ago
The choice of pictures is hysterical and sometimes plain wrong. The Underground Man's idea of intelligence is not anything like Einstein's, Einstein is a scientist, and the Underground Man rejects science as a stupid consolation for the futility of existence that only an intelligent man like the Underground Man appreciates. The Underground Man would think a humanist like Einstein to be a fool. The Underground Man's idea of a truly enlightened philosopher king would be Adolph Hitler.
FatherWarhol 2 years ago
Superb. I feel the quote represents the inertia experienced by one who weighs up every concieveable option due to his ability to do so juxtaposed with the fool who simply rushes in.
79dougb 2 years ago 2
glenalanwells 2 years ago
I wonder if Dostoevsky is saying that it is only an illusion that one can actually arrive at "being" someone, as if man can fit such a generalization of being a hero, etc. As he said himself, "Man is broad; indeed, too broad," as he already contains all the possibilities within him without "becoming" something and thus eliminating all the other aspects of his being. Those are only my humble speculations of course...I am sure there are many other interpretations that are equally valid.
UhLyssUh42 2 years ago 3
I hadn't noticed that, and I like that view.
FatherWarhol 2 years ago
Bravo for those who actually read books and try to understand the thoughts and ideas which come out from the underneath of the scriptic words. For those who read only the daily horoscope and the weather forecast... this is for you guys... (it's unbelieveble how many ignorants, fools and pretended "intellectuals" are out there... And here too.)
colinbodea 2 years ago 2
wow what a book!
kiteabc 2 years ago
again bro.. loved your video.. i havent seen something so monumental on youtube in ages..
one think i thought was cliche was the Bush (i think Reagan was worse) bashing.. i mean yeah he is an idiot but all our presidents have been uneducated fools in the modern era.. i think a pic of JFK would have been more appropriate and less cliche.. but other than that bravo with an exclamation mark.. BRAVO!!!!
theRealness0820 2 years ago
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DeathofBabylon 2 years ago
i would imagine F.D. is speaking from the third person about someone he knew.. someone exponentially more brilliant and sensitive than him who failed miserably at everything he attempted.. probably this person influenced him greatly and while he achieved literary success this influential man.. nothing..
because Dostoevsky was highly intelligent and he accomplished very very much.. basically, him, Tolstoy and Flaubert changed the way I view everything....
theRealness0820 2 years ago
only a fool can become something?? possibly and most likely yes.. but sometimes even an intelligent man can accomplish..
something....
theRealness0820 2 years ago
It would seem that this passage from Notes from Underground is simplistic. Do not be fooled, the underground man is simply portraying nihilism to a degree. At first he says he cannot be anything, what should stick out is " i cannot be good or evil". Thus he is saying that there is no point of being anything. Later he says he can only win if he is a fool, but this is a contrast to his belief system, in his opinion a intelligent man is himself and a fool is a man who doesnt understand a life.
icemange22 2 years ago
Wouldn't you?
Danman917 2 years ago
since I was around 7 y/o I starting noticing how vague and delusional most are, and was so concern about being so different , when I started growing and read certain autors like dostoevsky , nietzsche, marian moore, kahlil Gibran, and more,felt like I was on the right train of mind :) don't ever feel afraid to think out of the box.
psytrancegirl 2 years ago 3
yep. i agree.
delasalledropout 2 years ago
psytrancegirl: I could NOT have said that any better, or, rather, with any more sincerity.
229095 2 years ago
Eh. Out of context, it seems a meaningless, hollow statement.
rdf67 2 years ago 3
meaningless and hollow, you have an impressive vocabulary.
heavenundertheearth 2 years ago
"David Cecil used to say that only second rate-minds are afraid of the obvious. Tolstoy, who belonged so self-confidently to the 'first rate' in the literary league-table of the world - with Homer and Shakespeare - was never afraid of the obvious, was never worried by the fear of simplicity."
- A.N. Wilson from the introduction to Tolstoy's How Much Land Does A Man Need
rdf67 2 years ago
Apparently you feel the urge or need to come off as impressive. In isolating one aspect of my statement (As you have with Dostoevsky's) and responding to it critically, you've deflected from the subject of my statement, which, though superficially critical, is qualified by my preface of "out of context". Instead of using this as an opportunity to teach, you immediately saw the "criticism" and went on the defensive. (Careful, what you expose.) The opportunity is still there.
rdf67 2 years ago
"you immediately saw the "criticism" and went on the defensive"
Yes, sorry. I understand that this excerpt has a different meaning than the one communicated by presenting on its own. I thought it had an important meaning, one that would be clear to a listener regardless of whether they know the full context of the quote. Which is, roughly, that self pity accomplishes nothing. Thanks.
heavenundertheearth 2 years ago
Thank you.
Question. (three) Is there a biography on Dostoevsky you would recommend, a book of literary criticism, and if you were to recommend one of his books (collection of short stories or novel) which would it be? Thanks.
rdf67 2 years ago
isnt it easy to say its meaningless out of context because A. it does not talk in general terms B. just from this one statement you do not know the story of the book...at face value of the language, there is nothing much to take in, other than a proclamation of loneliness, but taking it on a personal level, as literature should be taken, cant people identify with this? i feel that i did anyway. furthermore, the statement "an intelligent man cannot seriouslybecome anything" is very profound.
alexthemod1 2 years ago
It's easy for a statement that is taken out of context to lose its true or intended meaning. Which is why, when you're going to isolate a quote, you try to find a statement that can stand alone. I've not read this story, so I can't speak to it's context. But as an isolated statement - to me, it's meaningless. Also, once you attach images (out of time and context) to this statement you are very specifically altering or attempting to influence it's meaning. You say it's "very profound"...how so?
rdf67 2 years ago
sorry yea, that profound word, i hated it when id typed it, shud have used another word...i get what your saying completely, i think if youve read the book and then isolate this quote, it has alot of meaning because your aware of the background and it does stand out, but yea, having just looked at this with no knowledge of the book i can understand why it would seem meaningless. by the way...read the book, its amazing.
alexthemod1 2 years ago
@heavenundertheearth self pity accomplishes nothing. I got a different meaning due to personal matters, but I guess self pity is a good way to describe the meaning of the quote, what I got from it, was confusion, no sence of direction in one's life, they're lost, unable to find their potential. Love the quote, absolutely powerfull. I paid attention to the words not your voice, and thats what matters. Fools critisize, wise men listen.
lpbmartialarts 1 year ago
@rdf67 You were trying just a little too hard with that one
ColdCypher 1 year ago
is john malkovich speaking in this?
moccasin11 2 years ago
LOL!
heavenundertheearth 2 years ago
He's right. One of the best writers in history.
Suetonius88 2 years ago
Hey dude. I normally don't comment on videoes but I kinda like this one.
Nevermind the haters!
denlokale 3 years ago
Thank you sir.
heavenundertheearth 2 years ago
jesus christ. Can I please have that 46 seconds of my life back?
Cierthan 3 years ago
New contemporary version of notes from the underground on youtube for free: v=SBmdCFS2cOg
Find all parts via my channel...
TomMonty81 3 years ago
shit!!! ending with Bush!!!
packofcigarets 3 years ago
shit!!! ending with Bush??
cantanteporsiempre 3 years ago 2
New contemporary version of notes from the underground on youtube for free: v=SBmdCFS2cOg
Find all parts via my channel...
TomMonty81 3 years ago
You see - it's Einstein.
changling21 3 years ago
I see it.
Gindelbi 3 years ago
"Dostoevsky gives me more than any scientist, more than Gauss." - Einstein.
asc358 2 years ago 3
wow..did he really say that...?? More than Gauss....?
kenrubes 2 years ago
All of his books are master pieces, he was a known gambler, but with his wives support emerged one of the greatest writers of this century.
changling21 3 years ago
He must have been referring to the Goulag when he wrote that. I can identify with him, in that i am a decent musician, teaching several instruements. Yet if i were a model with no discernable talent and a global marketing strategy i could become a successful musician.
Mahavishnu80 3 years ago
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govstyle 2 years ago
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govstyle 2 years ago
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govstyle 2 years ago
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govstyle 2 years ago
It's very true that if you were a model and had a global marketing strategy you could become wealthy and liked by many people. But im sure you remain far more respected than what you could be than what you are now which i would call a successful musician. I have never ever thought that money and fame can make someone successful- what has one truly accomplished if they have not made anything "new". Although you can be wealthy and successful, these two items are not mutually exclusive.
deathcabforjack 2 years ago
I really enjoyed how you spoke this passage, it felt like Fyodor was speaking it himself. You should certainly do more.
TheLeftivist 3 years ago
fedor didnt speak english buddy.
XIPM3 3 years ago
I ' m a failure, Fluck! fail. This is the best thing anyone can be in this world because all the success you earn will lead to failure in the end.
opl1n4 3 years ago
I think Bukowski got so much influence from this man cause this just felt like Bukowski indeed!
nir1971 3 years ago
MLK was not an honest man, he was a whoremongering communist.
slavophile1 3 years ago
well read dude!
matsutakneatche 3 years ago
Thanks, matsutakneatche!
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
I will confine my remark to generalities of the obvious kind and say that this quote alone is the essence of the Underground man. Thank you.
D0ST03VSKY 3 years ago
You are welcome, DOSTO3VSKY.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
i read all your comments and found out that you guys are programmed to strive for success. That's your upbringing. Dostoyevski taunted guys like you who are success oriented. There is also a parallel universe that doesn't care about success dudes
Dorjax 3 years ago
I would say I'm goal, not success, oriented. And the vid. tries to give credit for what Fyodor wrote (and its interpretations), not necassarily what he meant by it. Thanks for commenting.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
Here I am speaking as a complete nihilist. Goal oriented is no different than success oriented. There is no orientation for some very few of us who are nihilists if you will. We mock everyone and even ourselves in our deepest and sincerest thoughts. Actually it is like liars paradox. Nihilists have absurd belief. And ironically belief is something that nihilists laugh upon. Sorry about my nonsense. English not my language.
Dorjax 3 years ago
Remember that Dostoevsky was a hard working man himself, and did work really hard on his last novel. He makes amazing observations and arguments but doesn't always personally believe them.
SourAlex85 3 years ago 4
Nice video except that the symbolism of Bush and Rummy with "only a fool can become something" at the end contradicts the Underground Man's statement. Reason for this is because the picture of Bush and Rummy proves that a fool actually can become something, like the head of the Executive branch in the our Gov't. This basically justifies the Underground man's existence. Not only his existence but the logic behind it: Society has the potential to be very stupid and push people into corners.
vos360 3 years ago
Um...I don't think the Underground man was saying that a fool can't become something, if I understand your comment. I think he means that fools might be able to become something but that fools are not the only people that do something with their lives, intelligent men and women can too, it does not make you intelligent to do nothing with your life because you see the world as corrupt. Thanks for the comment, let me know if we agree.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
Well, I wasn't coming from the presumption that "a fool can't become something" because that is not stated anywhere. I was replying to "the bitter and useless consolation". The Underground man taunts himself with this futile consolation, but whats to say its only his psychological way of finding solace and not complete and utter reality?
vos360 3 years ago
If we say he is stupid or not intelligent for excusing himself from life then we are basically putting the blame all on him. Can he really hold all responsibility for the current state of his life? If you have read The Karamazov Brothers then you know the answer to that...
vos360 3 years ago
Ah, of course.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
The video tries to give credit for what Fyodor wrote (and its interpretations), not necassarily what he meant by it. Thanks for commenting.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
it is. i read the book, barely noticed that quote for some reason. after watching this video i see the significance. thank you
danny5534 3 years ago
Don't really understand his quote.
ChoTakahashi 3 years ago
My Interpretation is that he couldn't make anything of himself, he was a neutral observer in life he had no passion and no achievement. Then he is "In his corner taunting himself with the bitter and useless consolation", meaning that it is useless and stupid to excuse yourself from life by saying that you are 'too intelligent' or 'to good' to participate in society, in the game of life. He is saying that engaging in life is not naive.
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago
I hope that's helpful. : )
heavenundertheearth 3 years ago