sympathy

So far, I actually really like the book and I agree with a lot of what Dostoyevsk says. Like previously mentioned in class, I don’t really think Dostoyevsk is insane or genius. If anyone was asked to write down his or her exact thoughts without any filter, I can guarantee it would sound similar to those of Dostoyevsk’s. However, I can also guarantee that Dostoyevsk’s thoughts are more cynical than the average person, but I truly believe he can’t help his misery. If anything, he thrives off of being miserable because there is nothing he can do about it. I know he enjoys being miserable because when he brought up the toothache scenario, he fully admits to moaning for the pure pleasure of misery. Then, I put myself in that exact situation, do I moan when I’m sick or injured for the enjoyment of misery? The answer is no. Strangely enough, Dostoyevsk is happy being miserable. The root of his misery derives from serious insecurity issues, which he even admits to. Honestly, I have sympathy for him. Imagine having to accept misery simply because there is nothing you can do about it. He is a massive over analyzer, but sadly the ones who over analyze are usually the ones that feel the most pain. If I could pinpoint one main theme of the book so far it would be that ignorance is absolute bliss. When someone, like Dostoyevsk, sits for hours analyzing a scene over and over in his head, he begins to see the truth behind human intentions. We’re all irrational beings; it’s that simple. We are selfish, careless, and destructive, but I also believe that we choose to be this way. Unfortunately for those who can’t help but see beyond the surface of human’s true motives, they feel the most agony. Overthinking is detrimental.

-Morgan Mills