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“...You’ve lost your faith amd you think I’m crudely flattering you; but how much have you lived so far? How much do you understand? He came up with a theory, and now he’s ashamed because it didn’t work…I regard you as one of those men who could have their guts cut out, who would stand and look at his torturers with a smile—provided he’s found faith, or God. Well, go and find it, and you will live…I know belief doesn’t come easily—but don’t be too clever about it, just give yourself directly to life, without reasoning; don’t worry—it will carry you straight to shore and set you on your feet…”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment

“The great enemy of clear language is insincerity.”
― George Orwell, Politics and the English Language

“Never had they thought their judgements, their scientific conclusions, their moral convictions and beliefs more unshakeable…Everyone became anxious, and no one understood anyone else; each thought the truth was contained in himself alone…They did not know whom or how to judge, could not agree on what to regard as evil, what as good. They did not know whom to accuse, whom to vindicate.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Adolescent

“Well, I decidedly do not understand why hurling bombs at people, according to all the rules of siege warfare, is a more respectable form. Fear of aesthetics is the first sign of powerlessness.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment