Restoring the Inner Heart: The Nous in Dostoevsky's Ridiculous Man

by Mary Naumenko

Written close to the end of the great writer’s life, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" tells of a transformation of the heart and a journey from despair to a joy that can be known by all through the experience of God that transcends a simply rational discourse. In this eye opening literary study, the title character and his spiritual metamorphosis are examined in depth in light of the ancient concept of Nous as it developed from the Greek philosophers to the Christian fathers. By comparing the “Ridiculous Man” to similar characters in Dostoevsky’s corpus, the author shows how an Orthodox Christian understanding of the Nous underpins Dostoevsky’s own anthropology and how his literary works in turn guide the reader toward a truer vision of humanity.

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Clifton D. Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short work has its flaws. There are references that would not pass stricter academic standards. There are infelicitous statements such as stating C S Lewis wrote the introduction to an English translation of St Athanasios’ “On the Incarnation” (Lewis composed the essay separately and it was added to the translation). And the final part falls somewhat short in its aims. But this short book is a gem. The survey of the historical uses of “nous” is succinct and helpful. The analysis of Dostoyevsky’s short story (which forms the center of the work) is well done. And the further references to other Dostoyevsky characters and works is also beneficial. A courageous undertaking. And a good jumping off point for other authors who could take up the topic and expand on it.

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dostoevsky's writings are a treasure, and Mary Naumenko illumines us in regard to a profoundly important aspect of this treasure, his description of the nous, the eyes of our innermost heart, where we may meet God. She also, in a preliminary way, gives a history of the meaning of the word Nous as it developed through the centuries in Greece and in the Church. Short, but sweet, and without a lot of professional terminology, so that most people will be able to understand it.

[Randall Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye of the Soul

A brief introduction to the 'nous', a key part of the Orthodox view of humans and our relation to the Holy One.