Book Notes/The Brothers Karamazov

The Brothers Karamazov

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"The Brothers Karamazov" follows the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—as they grapple with themes of faith, morality, and the existence of God against the backdrop of their father's murder. Each brother embodies different philosophical and ethical dilemmas, leading to a profound exploration of human nature and the struggle between good and evil. The novel culminates in a trial that exposes deep familial and societal conflicts, reflecting Dostoevsky's insights into the human condition.

10 curated highlights from this book

Key Insights & Memorable Quotes

Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Brothers Karamazov, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.

If God does not exist, everything is permitted.
The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.
What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love.
The man who is truly good and who is truly happy is one who has a great deal of courage.
It is better to be with God and with a man who suffers than to be alone in glory.
The more I love humanity in general, the less I love man in particular.
To be a man is to be in the midst of suffering.
A man is what he believes.
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams.
The soul is healed by being with children.