Introduction to Dostoevsky (as Philosopher)

[@aodhanodonnell2148]

My favourite quote is Ivan's "all the wisdom in the world isn't worth a single child's tears, I hold this to be true- even if I'm wrong"

[@bebe8842]

Meaning, life's suffering all the way since adults are still incapable of not eliminating completely the pain and unmet needs of the children

[@vijerathnebanda8116]

Don't think you are wrong. That idea is wonderful.

[@ronniecortex4936]

Not a god's plan is worth it

[@mr100x3]

What if the child’s tears are wrong? 🧐

[@munkhtuvshinmt]

he meant suffering by this Socrates@@mr100x3

[@kayo5011]

11:50 Here is the rest of the paragraph. “ Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” Without a single doubt in my mind this small paragraph has had the most profound impact in my life. This made me fall in love with Fyodor writing

[@mohammadislam105]

tel 😊

[@ForestAOrmes]

Thank you for the quote.

[@shadow-mask]

That's been my main slogan when it comes to preaching to anyone. Anyone can do something stupid, but if you lie to yourself.. even a microscopic amount of stupidity will multiply by infinity instantly. That's how much bullshit you'll have to brainwash out of someone's brain with a toothbrush up the nostril, something like that.

[@lizzzarduh]

Are you lying to yourself about love being important to life or are you lying about nothing matters and it’s all meaningless love is just a chemical mechanism

[@rand5]

​@@lizzzarduh correlation doesn't equal causation.

[@voraciousreader3341]

When I was a senior in high school, one of the 5 credit classes I took was solely about great literature, with 12 novels on the prospectus over the school year (this was in the late 70s, so there weren’t college level courses as is defined now). “Crime and Punishment” was one of those novels, and it absolutely changed my thinking….not about life, necessarily, but I definitely caught glimpses of the immense intellectual and psychological world; I felt my mind open in a way I’ll never forget and, thankfully, I’ve never allowed it to close. Dostoevsky’s thinking was so beautifully profound, that when I came to passages that moved me, I always had to share it with someone, something I’d never done before. I’ve never forgotten.

[@buxtehude123]

Nowadays high school students are given choices between Tortilla Curtain and Toni Morrison.

[@Tehrawrzorz]

Can you share the list of books if you remember them? My school didn't have us read any of these. I'm in my 20s and just discovered who this man is

[@magikyuu]

I had a similar experience when I read Crime and Punishment. My AP english class gave us a huge list of books to choose from, and I luckily chose something for Fyodor Dostoesky. I used to hate reading. Now i love it thanks to Dostoesky

[@KpxUrz5745]

Exactly. I was changed by reading Dostoyevsky also. At least changed to appreciate the potential of truly great writing and deep intelligence.

[@RedBricksTraffic]

I finished Brothers Karamazov last night. I barely slept. I was weeping helplessly as I closed the final chapter and could not control myself. I'm not even sure that I yet understand why I was weeping so hard, but I know that this book as deeply affected me right down to the pit of my soul. I can feel it. I don't think I'm the same man who opened up the first chapter of this book a month ago. Thank you for your analysis. Videos like this are really helping me to begin to understand what is happening to me and why I was so affected by this book.

[@pfanico]

Alyosha last speaking is one of the most beautiful things ever written in human history.

[@MantisFootball]

I had the same experience at the end. Sometimes you laugh so hard you cry. I cried but then laughter emerged from within it. It became joyous. I was happy for the kids' future. Aleksey had become a young master.

[@termite7790]

Wow. So good thank you, for doing this. I like to read. And I read the brothers k years ago like 8 I think really good writing for sure, makes you feel for the characters.

[@samuelsuarez6972]

bro said weeping helplessly 😭

[@looming_]

@@samuelsuarez6972your point?

[@wolcamophone4783]

Nietzche is definitely an excellent motivator, but Dostoevsky really knows how valuable it can be to let you take a break and really make you feel relaxed.

[@nottabot3843]

This is the best interpretation of Brothers K I've ever heard.. That Ivan "loves the idea of people" but doesn't love actual people." is brilliant. Loving people in your life is far more important and requires real work.

[@raskolnikov1461]

❤✅

[@AbdurRehman-ui4vs]

@@raskolnikov1461 BScovv

[@AbdurRehman-ui4vs]

Nv BSc

[@AbdurRehman-ui4vs]

NC:

[@AbdurRehman-ui4vs]

@@raskolnikov1461 Viv

[@Laocoon283]

Your analysis of the idiot was the best I have ever heard. Everyone I have heard talk about the book seem scared to touch the psychological motivations of the characters, which ironically is the whole point of the book, and they only end up giving a brief synopsis and a surface level analysis. This was what I have been searching for.

[@raskolnikov1461]

❤✅

[@sm87112]

the "conflict" of Love, excellent point

[@user-rv7nx7jy8b]

i think dostovsky is the caring mother and neitzche is the strict father

[@anthonyshipman7574]

I kinda think of Dostoevsky as the wise old man and Nietzche as the loony uncle you keep locked up in the attic!

[@Querymonger]

They're Ivan and Alyosha

[@flyinghighagain7712]

I like that take because it shows that you can value both and take the good and create a hybrid theory that is more well rounded. There's a need to be more strict and gaurded sometimes and a need to be caring and serve others as well.

[@brunoactis1104]

It's more like Dostoyevski is Nietzsche's big brother. Nietzsche literally said it himself. All he ever thought Dostoyevski has come up with already and took the opposite stand with such knowledge, braking all of his conceptions. Such a shame he discovered Dostoyevski so, so very late.

[@boulderingbadger6179]

Caring mothers have to be aware to know when to let the child suffer and learn, and then die to become a man.

[@bradenblackmon7642]

I got a lot out of listening to this and I’m an ardent fan of Dostoevsky. I absolutely do not think you talk to slow but rather other you tubers talk ridiculously fast. Keep up the great work.

[@samuelfischer2961]

I really am not a spiritual person, but the story of the grand inquisitor truely touched me. I struggle with a lot of negative and judging thoughts, finding myselve in the role of the inquisitor. The idea that all my thoughts lose their meaning in the face of actual love brings me to tears.

[@voraciousreader3341]

The best way to deal with negative and judgmental thinking-a horrible scourge of the mind which _must be rooted out_ if you’re to have any humanity in your hear and mind-is to help others much less fortunate than you. Find some charity or place which serves mentally ill or indigent people and volunteer, with the intention that you’re going to try very hard to connect with their humanity. Then find a good therapist to help you find out why your mind works in that negative and self destructive direction. People who judge others have an inflated sense of their own intellect and of their own importance….in conflict, they blame rather than try to find a solution. You don’t have to be remotely religious minded to takes quotes attributed to Jesus: “Judge not lest YE be judged,” and,”Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” (as in the practice of crowds who stoned people to death for some infraction).

[@neilpemberton5523]

​@voraciousreader3341 In America it is a horrific fact that many Christians have been so totally taken in by the likes of Ayn Rand that they consider even Christian Charity to be 'woke'. These people obviously never read the four gospels properly. The excesses of the current (& 2nd) Gilded Age are killing America's soul little by little.

[@jimstenlund6017]

You probably say all sorts of mean-spirited things to yourself after making a mistake ( or perceived ‘mistake’ ) But what would you say to a dear friend who made such a ‘mistake’ himself? So put yourself in that friend’s place, be that friend to yourself, speak to yourself using kind words.

[@marcellbalint8435]

I'm so glad you exist

[@whyalexandery]

I'm glad you exist too! When I first saw your comment, it made my day.

[@satnamo]

I am glad that he exists

[@wearywillie3675]

If you think he's good.. wait until you try crack my friend. You just wait!

[@animant8811]

You jinxed it. Now he no longer exists and hasn't upload since a year

[@ff2154]

@@animant8811 Lol

[@hayamfakhry3642]

Reading Dostoevsky really changed the way I see things it was eye opening in so many levels Dostoevsky is my soulmate

[@mr.propre1731]

you also turn yourself from a pesron with free will to a kholop with need to kill or rape someone to proof yourself that you are still not an animal?

[@orlandovelez5412]

Want to REALLY "change the way (you) see things?" Try God's Word - the Bible; Dostoevsky's "wisdom" is as "foolishness" in God's sight --- so if it's 'wisdom' you're REALLY after, you can do NO better than study the Bible.

[@thenoobynator6657]

@@orlandovelez5412 brooo let people be. Everyone is different and everyone is equal. Some people find philosophers enlightening, some the bible. As an believer in god and advocate of the bible, you would understand, right?

[@orlandovelez5412]

@@thenoobynator6657 Simply stated a point of FACT - which may be gleaned from God's Word by any who would CARE to do that. My point? It's silly to hang on the word of fallible MAN - when one may obtain INfallible enlightenment from He who created the universe. As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once remarked: "What can we know? What are we all? Poor, silly, half-brained things ... peering out at the infinite with the aspiration of Angels - and the instincts of ... Beasts!"

[@thenoobynator6657]

@@orlandovelez5412 I am not able to see it as a fact. It's not that I don't want to. But I'm not convinced of god and religion in general as a fact. To me it feels too contradictory to believe in a certain religion. Because every religion has a different god(s) and converting to one Religion feels like just choosing which kind of god I like the most. I would feel like a hypocrite if I accepted one Religion as the ultimate truth of the universe, when there are other religions which also claim to know the ultimate truth of the universe. That's religion, a human concept of believing in a very specific god in hope of a specific reward in the afterlife and guidance while still alive. So it's entirely possible that there is a higher being out there. But if it actually wants us to believe in it, then we would know for certain, like REALLY certain, right? If god is all-powerful he would for sure punish me right here right now, right? For sure other religions couldn't exist, right? On the other hand if he doesn't want us to believe in him. Well do I have to explain, that it's just as bad as if he didn't exist? Because how I see it, it would mean that he abandoned us. Especially the people who believe in him. Really explain it to me how can you can be so certain that you can call anything related to a higher being a truth or a fact? It's so contradictory to me. Oh I also wanted to mention that we don't know if every religion and everything related to any kind of god isn't human made. You already stated that we can't trust ourselves and our knowledge, since we are flawed. But how can we then not get skeptical if the possibility of every god being human made, isn't out of the room? If this is really the case then believing in the existence of some kind of god could very well even be one of the deceptions caused by the flaws of the human condition.

[@paulf3999]

Thought you were dead man. Never stop doing these, I'm buying all the books you're recommending.

[@omarfaruque2757]

What books? Name some.

[@paulf3999]

@@omarfaruque2757 Alexander Nehamas' Nietzche : Life as Litterature which I am about to finish. The blue notebook by wittgenstein which i am about to start. Dostoievski's Brother Karamazov, that sort of stuff

[@Laocoon283]

@@paulf3999 did you ever read karamazov?

[@paulf3999]

@@Laocoon283 not quite there yet, thanks, it's been on the coffee table for the last... 14 months. It keeps getting pushed further down the queue as I'm finishing others. I did read "Nietszche, life as litterature" which was stellar and just started a book on french silent cinema years 1927-28 though. I also bought and read Wittgenstein's blue book, though I can't say i find philology really appealing. I do intend to buy some of Nabokov's works too. How about you ?

[@Laocoon283]

@@paulf3999 oh that silent film era one sounds cool. I just read a bunch of dostoevsky for the first (CnP, idiot, karamazov)time so I was just curious what you thought if you had read karamazov.

[@MorningAndEveningStar]

Thank you for this video. This is the best resource I've found so far on why reading Dostoevsky is so rewarding.

[@Rudy7179]

This is my favorite video on YT. I come back to this video often and it has proven a consistent source of inspiration and comfort. I have a deep appreciation for Dostoevsky and analyses of his works, but yours is the most coherent and approachable dissection of Dostoevky's philosophy that i have ever heard. Thank you for the time and energy you put into making this, from what ive seen in the comments, it has impacted many more lives than just mine.

[@luistoomuchstudiesthebible7891]

My friend, this video was incredible. I especially loved your comparison of Neitzsche and Dostoyevsky along with your commentary on the Grand Inquisitor. You catching that the Inquisitor’s interpretation of love is really his own power was something I had not realized in my own reading. Thank you for this.

[@8GamesSK]

This is one of the greatest videos I've ever seen in this platform, this really gave me a lot of insights about life and how life a life removed from isolation we are all embracing.

[@marceloviana4876]

I really liked this video. I hope making these make you happier and healthier spiritually, because this is the effect your analysis had on me.

[@whyalexandery]

Thanks for letting me know I was helpful! That’s my favorite thing to hear. And thanks for your kind wishes! Yes, making videos absolutely helps me too. I hope I wouldn’t even bother posting them otherwise, because if they didn’t help me, how could I expect them to help anyone else?

[@michaelgreene7403]

I have gotten to 3:46 and stopped to absorb just the initial views of each author about love. Then I decided to read some of the comments and I am stunned at the honesty of self-reflection and open vulnerability of the commenters. What an amazing thing for a "literature-philosophy" video to evoke. I can't wait to see the rest of the video. Why Alexander Y, you deserve alot of credit as well as your viewership.

[@icy_type]

please keep making videos. this has been the most impactful youtube video i’ve ever watched (and i watch a ton of philosophical/spiritual videos)

[@anniem1111]

You had me thoroughly engaged from the start to the finish 💖. I didn't move! Thank you x

[@notlengthy]

The beautiful way in which you articulate this thesis made me cry. I hope you know that your work is changing lives.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Man, the gift to be able to learn, and listen, and think...this is when I don't feel fractured and miserable. Excellent material.

[@TheShroomManiac]

This is my first time listening to your content, this is the content needed for these modern times... enlightening

[@ceb0lla904]

i put this in the background while doing something else and i actually had to lay down on the floor to listen. very thought provoking. im currently rereading brothers karamazov and now i feel like i will get even more out of it

[@F--B]

Good to see you back! Your intro to Nietzsche was top class, so looking forward to this.

[@AmrShedou]

i must say ... this is one of the best philosophical videos and philosophical interpretations i have ever encountered

[@ironbutterflyrusted]

Many Philosophical writings should come with a warning, a heads up to the unsuspecting literary travellers that the words within can seriously alter your life. Thank you for shining a light onto some intriguing works of a quite extraordinary man👍

[@voraciousreader3341]

Why would you _ever_ wish to warn people, in order to keep them from having an immense soul-affirming experience through reading the works of this great author and thinker?? *Isn’t that the whole point of reading literature in the first place??*. I really have no clue why you would write such a thing!

[@ironbutterflyrusted]

@@voraciousreader3341 I think the realisations of knowledge and self can lead many into a dissatisfied, desperate, despair. An absurd lifetime of the mundane. Many Philosophers were such creatures at heart, but they had the strength to redefine the struggles...not be swallowed up by them. The Myth of Sisyphus Albert Camus.. the absurd life... a good read👍

[@booshank2327]

Lots of people don't read because of that, they're afraid they might learn something.

[@ironbutterflyrusted]

@@booshank2327 👍quite distressing watching the attention span of many humans shrinking. And the effects of very poor, unsophisticated propaganda, on the populations.

[@themeaningchapel]

I love your videos - this one was particularly great and somehow made me feel better to think and learn about Dostoyevsky. Thank you 🙏

[@TheJimmyplant]

This is one of the most powerful videos ive ever ever watched. Thank you so much. As a 26 year old man I now recall a kinder way that I used to live. I'm an empathetic person, but unfortunately driven by ego and ultimately insecurity. Social media is terrible in that it pushes everyone to ego and comparison.

[@saint_roxxane]

Alright, this is one of the best video that I accidentally find on the internet, I hope you keep making this type of video!

[@noor5x9]

Thank you very much for making this! I was already pretty familiar with Nietzsche, but I haven't ever gotten to understand what Dostoevsky was all about, so this really opened me up to a new perspective!

[@davidwalker5054]

Dostoevsky knows you are reading one of his Novels. So the Sly old dog puts a character in the story that reminds you of yourself. Then he makes dam sure you don't like what you read

[@aimcrux2231]

I literally come back to this video every couple of months bro you made art with this one

[@AlexisPena21]

I don't comment often, but I just want to say I really appreciate your videos. The Napoleon film video was great, the film itself was as well and I'm happy to have had gotten the recommendation for it. I don't want to waste much time, but thank you very much for this video. Dostoevsky is my favorite writer and his message is exactly what I needed in life at this time. I hope you start a patreon so I can better show my appreciation.

[@npinc9988]

This is just great, great great. I need to rewatch this a few times. Thank you and tremendous work.

[@betwandet41]

Phenomenal! I could listen for hours about dostoevsky

[@sirmuelseka8055]

I just started reading Notes from the Underground and stumbled upon this video. I must say this is gold! You've motivated me to read more of Dostoevsky's works. Thanks!👏

[@lordtugboat]

I like how you stealthy-weaved a bit of wittgenstein into the part about the pointlessness of proofs for God. Your videos are always worth the wait and very much appreciated. 💗

[@whyalexandery]

Yeah, I can’t help it. That’s just my brain now. Wittgenstein was heavily influenced by Dostoevsky, so it’s hard for me not to read him at least a little tiny bit in that light. In fact, Wittgenstein could actually recite passages of The Brothers Karamazov by 💗!

[@morphx99]

thank you so much for everything, from the bottom of my heart...you really saved me...

[@whyalexandery]

I said that to a friend once -- someone much wiser than me -- and they told me "Don't say that. I can't save anyone. Only God can". I know that's not a relatable way of putting it for a lot of people. I'm sorry if that's the case here, but however we put it, I think that means something very important. I feel incredibly lucky to have received your comment and incredibly lucky to have a chance to teach people and talk about this kind of stuff, but aside from being particularly lucky, I'm pretty sure I'm just some guy. I can't save anyone. Seriously, though, thank you for telling me about your experience! It gives me a lot of joy and reassures me about making KZbin videos.

[@michaelnathan3836]

It was extremely awesome and grand to.hear what I heard. It put peace in my heart . I am so glad of it.

[@mid0rri411]

this made me understand so much in so many ways i cannot begin to express how much i appreciate this entire video

[@thewolfmanhulk2927]

Just came across your channel and this video and..... wow. Just wow, I can’t put it much j to words but this video is absolutely spectacular, one of the best I may have seen on KZbin ever. As someone who was starting out with reading Dostoevsky, I first read the idiot and while I did like his character’s thoughts in stuff like the painting of the dead Christ I must confess at other times I wasn’t really that invested and Myshkin is a character I have conflicting thoughts about. This video definitely helps make me appreciate it more. I read notes from the underground too and it was interesting to read too. I have to be honest I have started crime and punishment with the Richard pevear translation and I do enjoy the beginning I must confess I am worried I will not enjoy it as much. It’s the reason the brothers karamazov is something I have read so many user’s experiences of, but with that I may have tainted my own experience of it with so many preconceived notions. As a Muslim I too identify with his thoughts on religion, though I am doubting myself on my own religious affiliation and worry I may end up becoming a bigot, and I want to experience it as great as you, but I don’t know if I can. I hope I can but I must confess I am a bit afraid. But even still this video definitely shows me why philosophy in many ways especially here can be life changing, thank you so much for making this, bless you Update: I read crime and punishment and it probably is my favourite Dostoevsky work so far. I must confess though I wasn’t inspired by the novel like everyone else, and Dostoevsky’s writing style I have some problems with. I do fear again I probably won’t enjoy brothers karamazov, but I do hope I can get past preconceived notions

[@donnieraibert2970]

Consider viewing David Wood's critiques of Islam. I believe he is on Rumble. Very worth your time.

[@boberentsen325]

This is an amazing video. Good work. This is the third or fourth time I am watching it.

[@pedrofuster9161]

Found you recently for the Wittgenstein video, was reading The Idiot when you uploaded this

[@ottotheweinerdog676]

Definitely the most worthwhile video I have watched in a long time. Thank you.

[@lifepsycleofficial24]

Wonderfully presented and explained. It was very engaging. Thank you for educating us and especially for suggesting the further reading in the way you explained it. I was looking to read but was unsure where to start. This gives me a fair understanding. Thanks a lot

[@sultansaladin2020]

Thank you brother im an avowed Muslim and I greatly appreciate your commentary on faith and love

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

TOP TWENTY FAVORITE BOOKS. 1) "Verbal Behavior" by Dr. B. F. Skinner 2) "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky 3) "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev 4) Myth Adventures - series by Robert Asprin 5) The Chronicles of Narnia - series by C. S. Lewis 6) "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy 7) "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 8) "Roots" by Alex Haley 9) The Silmarillion - The Hobbit, or there and back again - The Lord of the Rings - Middle Earth stories by J. R. R. Tolkien 10) Foundation Series - Isaac Asimov 11) "Eugene Onegin" by Alexander Pushkin 12) "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky 13) "Paris 1919: six months that changed the world" by Margaret MacMillian 14) "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen 15) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn - by Mark Twain 16) Old Mother West Wind series - wildlife series by Thornton Burgess 17) "Microbe Hunters" by Paul de Kruif 18) "Cancer Ward" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 19) "Kon Tiki" by Thor Heyerdahl 20) "From Beirut to Jerusalem" by Thomas Friedman The Bible is written by many authors and thus it is not included in the list, but obviously it is the best book in existence.

[@Mrs.C-6721]

Wow! Thank you for this list of best reads. Yes, my Bible transcends all, but I'm thrilled to challenge my ability to "dive in" to these others. See you in the clouds my friend!

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

@@Mrs.C-6721, I've been growing the list. Goodreads really helped me get a list to stare at, but now that I have made the beginning of a list, it gets easier. TOP FIFTY (50) FAVORITE BOOKS by TommyLovesEli on Goodreads, which is me. The Bible is written by many authors and thus it is not included in the list, but obviously it is the best book in existence. I also do not call something a different story when the same world is used by the same author to create a story. TOP FIFTY (50) FAVORITE BOOKS. 1) "Verbal Behavior" by Dr. B. F. Skinner 2) "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky 3) "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev 4) Myth Adventures - series by Robert Asprin 5) The Chronicles of Narnia - series by C. S. Lewis 6) "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy 7) "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 8) "Roots" by Alex Haley 9) The Silmarillion - The Hobbit, or there and back again - The Lord of the Rings - Middle Earth stories by J. R. R. Tolkien 10) Foundation Series - Isaac Asimov 11) "Eugene Onegin" by Alexander Pushkin 12) "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky 13) "Paris 1919: six months that changed the world" by Margaret MacMillian 14) "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen 15) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn - by Mark Twain 16) Old Mother West Wind series - wildlife series by Thornton Burgess 17) "Microbe Hunters" by Paul de Kruif 18) "Cancer Ward" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 19) "Kon Tiki" by Thor Heyerdahl 20) "From Beirut to Jerusalem" by Thomas Friedman 21) "The Berdine Un-Theory of Evolution: and Other Scientific Studies Including Hunting, Fishing, and Sex" by William C. Berdine 22) "Interview with the Vampire" by Anne Rice 23) "Torrents of Spring" by Ivan Turgenev 24) "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis 25) "Emma" by Jane Austen 26) "In the First Circle" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 27) The Beatrix Potter books - animal story series by Beatrix Potter 28) "27" or "Sieben­und­zwanzig" by William Diehl 29) "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean 30) "Winnie the Pooh" by A. A. Milne 31) "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott 32) "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank 33) "Papillon" by Henri Charrière 34) "The Onion Field" by Joseph Wambaugh 35) "Silas Marner" by George Eliot 36) "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven Levitt 37) "The Black Tulip" by Alexandre Dumas 38) "A Child called 'It"" by Dave Pelzer 39) "Life on the Mississippi" by Mark Twain 40) "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos 41) "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell 42) “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris 43) “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen 44) “The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus” by Joel Chandler Harris 45) “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson 46) “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley 47) “Science and Human Behavior” by Dr. B. F. Skinner 48) "The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956: an Experiment in Literary Investigation" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 49) “Persuasion” by Jane Austen 50) “The Autistic Child: Language Development Through Behavior Modification” by Dr. Ole Ivar Lovaas

[@kingkoi6542]

Goethe, Milton and Dante are great authors aswell!

[@josephstalin4906]

You put Chronicles of Narnia and Hobbits on the same level with Solzhenicyn and Tolstoy?🤣🤣🤣

[@donnieraibert2970]

The Bible has One author written through many hands. This especially becomes apparent when the Holy Spirit teaches you directly from it, connecting parts you would never see on your own. It is a single masterpiece, written through many different obedient children of God.

[@mr_rowboto]

Oh!! You're back!!!!!!!!! I can't stop recommending and replaying your Nietzsche and Wittgenstein videos.

[@doinitforthestreets]

This is so well done, thank you for doing this, you saved me a thousand hours of intellectual labor

[@isabelalima3226]

This video is amazing! I hope you’ll upload again someday

[@tahirriaz6277]

Probably one of the most valuebal video i have watched in recent times. Amazing work and thanks!

[@youcefbensid6184]

I only fully grasp everything at x1.0 speed, as you articulate very well. Your video is very insightful, and I actually found myself relating to Dostoyvski point of view at multiple occasions, thanks for this, definitely gonna check out your other videos if you have.

[@mariussucan8851]

Absolutely lovely. Please make more content like this.

[@rohangondor6250]

Why’d you stop uploading? I liked your subject matter and approach a lot.

[@Kai_Theos_en_ho_Logos]

I've watched this video twice. Excellent overview. Thank you.

[@Veto2090]

Haha I already watch your vids at 1.25 - 1.5 speed. Glad to see you picked up on that

[@LovesickMisanthrope]

Thank you for making a video about a person im so interested in yet nobody seems to cover.

[@mechailreydon3784]

I am utterly lost for words. This is by far the best commentary on The Grand Inquisitor and the Idiot I’ve ever encountered. Also a lot of really great philosophical ideas in between. I would love to hear what you read

[@whyalexandery]

Well, I’m more than happy to oblige! I’ve actually been thinking recently about how I might include more reading lists on the KZbin channel. (I don’t really like the idea of doing any reading list videos, since I don’t find those to be a very convenient resource. I like to be able to quickly reference these things at a glance.) Anyway, you can see a lot my favorite authors and thinkers already on the channel. Nietzsche and Wittgenstein were both big influences in understanding Dostoevsky. My introductions to them both already contain “Further Reading” sections, but I don’t think I mentioned Wittgenstein’s LECTURES AND CONVERSATIONS ON AESTHETICS, PSYCHOLOGY, AND RELIGIOUS BELIEF. That book has affected how I approach any sort of spiritual or philosophical text. In trying to understand the parable of THE GRAND INQUISITOR in particular, I was also thinking a lot about Cormac McCarthy’s BLOOD MERIDIAN. McCarthy is a student of Dostoevsky, and in many ways, I think BLOOD MERIDIAN is meant to be a retelling of THE GRAND INQUISITOR story - except this time, with far more scalping. It’s a truly terrifying book that definitely stands on its own. I was familiar with it long before reading Dostoevsky, and it definitely gave me another foothold for understanding him. I also watched a movie version of McCarhty’s two man play, THE SUNSET LIMITED, while working on this video. That’s his most direct and obvious rip-off of THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV. The two characters are basically modern American versions of Ivan and Father Zosima. It also had some influence. One of my other entry points for Dostoevsky was the filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. In fact, it was researching Tarkovsky that originally got me to start reading Dostoevsky, since Tarkovsky was obsessed with him. Tarkovsky’s STALKER (1979) is probably his most Dostoevsky-inspired film, and it definitely influenced the discussions about faith in this video. Tarkosvky’s interviews and writings also had an influence, but it’s hard to recommend any of those, since you’d have to already be pretty interested in his films. (I often focus heavily on a particular person and try to read almost everything they’ve written, including letters and such. My knowledge is not very broad at all.) In regards to discussing THE IDIOT, Nietzsche was by far the biggest influence. There’s another book, however, that sometimes rattles around in my head when thinking about shame. It’s a contemporary, academic philosophy book called SHAME AND NECESSITY by Bernard Williams. I read it a long time ago and don’t know how well it stands up. It’s probably a quite dry, but it did give me a gateway for better understanding Nietzsche (and by extension, Dostoevsky). It explores the subject of shame in relation to the ancient Greeks. Lastly, I’ve recently been reading a lot of spiritual and religious texts, but at the time of making this video, my frame of reference for these things was actually pretty limited. I was only really familiar with the TAO TE CHING, BHAGAVAD GITA, and BIBLE. Of course, it’s not considered polite to recommend these kinds of books too strongly to anyone, but if I’m being candid, these are actually the sorts of books most worth reading (along with the UPANISHADS, ZHUANGZI, DIAMOND SUTRA, etc.). No novel or philosophical work can really compare with these (even if we include the PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATIONS!). I don’t think it’s even close. There’s a funny scene in THE SUNSET LIMITED expressing this idea. Like I almost imply at the end of the video, the NEW TESTAMENT and EPISTLES OF PAUL, in particular, were probably the most significant thing for me in terms of understanding Dostoevsky. Paul has an especially bad rep with some people for coming off as too “institutional” or “church-y”, but what ROMANS and CORINTHIANS 1 have to say about life is beautiful and astounding. Also, everyone should at least read JOB and ECCLESIASTES. They’re both incredibly wise, if you’re ready for them. I’m tempted to mention many more texts of this genre, but I should probably wait until I have a greater familiarity and more comprehensive view. Also, it makes sense to just stick to the subject of Dostoevsky here. Most of the books I’ve mentioned are actually potential starting points for future videos, so there may be an opportunity to say more in the future. I can’t make any promises about any kind of future internet activity, though. Anyway, I’m sorry to have said so much. Thank you for your kind words and for the opportunity to blather about books. I’ve secretly always wanted someone to ask me what I read. I love making lists of books. I probably only make these videos so I can put lists of books at the end. I hope you’re having a good day too!

[@mechailreydon3784]

@@whyalexandery wow, the detail you went into got me pretty excited. I haven’t heard of some of the names you mentioned so I’m looking forward to getting into those. If they’re anything like reading Nietzsche and the religious texts you mentioned there’s going to be a lot to digest. Anyhow thanks for the list, I’m hoping you get to put out those future videos you said you can’t promise :) It would be interesting to hear what you have to say about the books you mentioned!

[@Querymonger]

Fantastic video, best I've seen on Dostoevsky. Thank you and great job

[@Whocares77778]

Having a child taught me what it meant to love someone more than myself…it’s a special pure beautiful but bittersweet love.

[@carlorizzo827]

Thanks so much. I've been a longtime fan of Dostoevsky. Only recently read the prison memoirs WOW phew so great. Towards the end he described the "theatricals", the prisoners were allowed to put on shows. The productions were beset by passionate conflicts among the participants. Drama- queen- ism is timeless

[@hunivan7672]

Thank you, this is a wonderful video. I do feel a lot of sympathy for Neetzsche, because even though Dostoyevsky's love is true, it does feel scary and you really can't possess people and that leaves you vulnerable to them leaving you, always.

[@katnip198]

This was wonderful listening. Thank you very much. I enjoyed this.

[@Dyadactic]

It’s funny how we always stumble upon things like this just when we need them the most. Although, I always feel as though I need something like this. I struggle immensely with shame, pride, and a fragile ego.

[@CuriosMindDIY]

Thank you for calling out the spoilers bro, will have to get back at this video after I finish the books!

[@paulpimentel4632]

This was amazing. Let it sit with you. Well done.

[@2104T34]

To me the most valuable in reading Dostoyevsky always was that somehow I could see myself from outside in I’ve read most of his books Dostoyevsky makes you live in his novels I don’t know it’s psychology philosophy or genius but it feels so real I’ve read some Nietzsche as well and even though I found his ideas interesting I’ve struggled through his books

[@bracacom]

Thank you very much for your work and dedication!

[@vic-hn3nl]

This was great. Just bought the brothers book after watching this multiple times

[@coramarchee7223]

This explanation moved me, profoundly. Thank you. Brilliant.

[@rduse4125]

Paradise is lost when one eats of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (judgement).

[@pattymorgan2828]

Fantastic video. Great explanations. I love the judgement vs love concept.

[@rajanya7408]

Brilliant work. Why did you stop uploading, please do more often. Thanks.

[@kevinrombouts3027]

A fantastic presentation. I will need several listens plus note taking. Thanks so much.

[@severianautarch8764]

Wow, Dostoevsky had such an understanding of the theology of the Orthodox Church and presents it in a way that makes it accessible to the intellectual snob, amazing.

[@holdfast453]

After listening to your take on Dostoyevsky I’m revisiting Sir John Gielgud’s ‘The Grand Inquisitor’ monologue. You are good. Have my subscription. Looking forward to more uploads

[@bretta7057]

First video I’ve ever seen of yours, but I smashed that “Subscribe” button. I like how you kinda sound like Owen Wilson too

[@markberryhill2715]

The Brothers Karamazov movie with William Shatner and Yul Brenner is a great movie and great assist to help with those who might struggle with reading the whole book.

[@anthonyshipman7574]

Completely spot on all the way until the very end when you say: “then you realize you’re responsible for all the people around you and their action.” Nope, now you’re going all Nietzche, and trying to control the people around you. Gotta just “let it be”.

[@deeinsights]

Great work!! thank you for doing what you do Alex!

[@scienceandhistory6129]

Yo, I really appreciate your videos, keep up the amazibg work!

[@thewolfmanhulk2927]

I recently finished brothers karamazov and now I can fully appreciate this video. I didn’t before, I was quite cynical( like Ivan and smerdyakov and even Fyodor pavlovich), but I do realize the profound statements of the book now. It truly is inspiring. Even if I do know Dostoevsky was not perfect and had some questionable passages but then again every artist has some blemishes here or there.

[@whyalexandery]

Hey, Wolfman! It's nice to hear from you again. I'm really happy you enjoyed The Brothers Karamazov and found it useful. Thank you for letting me know! Your comment made me smile. :)

[@thewolfmanhulk2927]

@@whyalexandery thank you, makes me happy too. I myself have learned new things on how to be a better person since the last time we talked and really that’s what good art does. So yeah, again your video is amazing despite my previous complaints which were ill natured. I hope we both always continue to grow as people

[@jameswatson9641]

This is a brilliant video, I do believe it's necessary to listen to it several times.

[@valdie6614]

Dude, im about 12 minutes in and I related so freaking hard, this is so amazing.

[@drewcampbell8555]

What a wonderfully clear essay. Thank you.

[@globalnews-g]

Thank you so much for the efforts. I appreciate what you have done,so awesome and inspiring.

[@Alexander_Isen]

Great video, really comprehensive yet deeply insightful

[@sageoverheaven]

Sad this channel seems dead. This was an amazing video.

[@jarrodmelson7802]

I always liked Marmeladov’s emotional description of final judgment “Come forth ye sinners..”

[@booshank2327]

I've never read any Dostoevsky (I am about to), but I know some of his ideas and I've had before any exposure, many similar thoughts. I think the most profound thought I had independent of others after years in isolation, was that of 'me' being arbitrary, that being assigned to this particular DNA expression with which to sense and experience life through, appears to be completely based on nothing, that 'I' had an equal chance of being some Indian girl in a slum, Dostoevsky himself, my mother, my neighbour, that homeless guy in town who has been around for decades who everybody recognises. I still struggle what to do with this idea, which I guess most closely resembles Pantheism. I am you, you are me, we come from the same place, the division is an optical illusion and psychological trap for the ego.

[@stevenhines5550]

Yes and no. The bit about the Inquisitor was wonderful. I love when I share thoughts with great minds.

[@okgoogle2661]

Hi, @"Why Alexander Y" would you mind letting me know which book and page does Nietzsche talk about the concept that when he goes out and meet other people, all his writings that he should be great person become useless because he becomes a pawn in their will to power, instead of following his own "will to power". Very powerful message though from Nietzsche. Isn't this why we all get frauded. A smiling person approaches us, and we are ready to let go our own belief systems..

[@whyalexandery]

The second Nietzsche quote about pity came from aphorism 338 of The Gay Science, which, in the Walter Kaufmann translation, starts on page 269. The entire passage is definitely worth reading (and the entire book -- in my opinion!). I also quoted from his August 1880 letter to Peter Gast, which you can find here: en.wikisource.org/wiki/Selected_Letters_of_Friedrich_Nietzsche#Nietzsche_To_Peter_Gast_-_August,_1880 Hope this was helpful. Enjoy!

[@alexsveles343]

When they speak of love….Dostoyevsky speakz from a married man whit childern perspective And nieatsche speaks from simple young man perspective who is also single Trust me …you will know the difference once you marry and have a family

[@Ricky-es9vg]

Greatest writer who ever lived

[@rduse4125]

Nietzsche’s 10 years of insanity was likely his “divine mania”, which is the doorway to the kind of love that Dostoyevski wrote of.

[@TomPlantagenet]

So, it is probably better to say, Dostoevsky isn’t about the existence of God, but rather the necessity of God.

[@oofym353]

That's why Dostoyevsky loves the quote by Voltaire: “If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him”

[@paulboegel8009]

Nobody understood The human condition like Dostoevsky. Fantastic dissertation.

[@montanalilac]

Wow. Clicked on this expecting a literary lecture and got a years worth of sermons wrapped up in one. Beautiful. Thank you, thank you.