"Besides, nowadays, almost all capable people are..." - Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Besides, nowadays, almost all capable people are terribly afraid of being ridiculous, and are miserable because of it.
More by Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Civilization has made man, if not always more bloodthirsty, at least more viciously, more horribly bloodthirsty.”
“I do not wish you much happiness--it would bore you; I do not wish you trouble either; but, following the people's philosophy, I will simply repeat: 'Live more' and try somehow not to be too bored; this useless wish I am adding on my own.”
“The perpetration of a crime is accompanied by illness!”
More on Fear
“Men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved than one who makes himself feared because love is held together by a chain of obligation which, since men are wretched creatures, is broken on every occasion in which their own interests are concerned; but fear is sustained by dread of punishment which will never abandon you.”
“Power is of two kinds: one is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love.”
“I understand that fear is my friend, but not always. Never turn your back on Fear. It should always be in front of you, like a thing that might have to be killed. My father taught me that, along with a few other things that have kept my life interesting.”
More on Social Pressure
“One never dives into the water to save a drowning man more eagerly than when there are others present who dare not take the risk.”
“Who has not for the sake of his reputation sacrificed himself?”
“When we are overly concerned with what people think we will be controlled by the thoughts and opinions of other people.”