Dostoevsky’s Warning to Great Thinkers | Crime and Punishment
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is one of the most famous novels of all time. It follows the story of Raskolnikov, an ex-student from Petersburg who resolves to kill an old pawnbroker. He says that she adds nothing to the world and will not be missed. But after the murder his conscience eats away at his very soul, until he is forced to confess.
Join me in this philosophical analysis of one of the greatest novels of all time.
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00:00 "You have betrayed and destroyed yourself for nothing..."
00:51 Crime and Punishment: a brief recap
04:44 The Danger of Philosophy
10:41 Fear, Shame, and Guilt
16:28 Nihilism, Hedonism, and Despair
23:49 The Value of Suffering
30:28 The Danger of Superiority
36:02 Love and Forgiveness
42:11 Why read Crime and Punishment
Film background footage from Videvo.com
Sources where I reference a modern author by name but do not specify the work:
John Jones (1983) Dostoevsky
Frank Seeley (1978) "The two faces of Svidrigailov"
All other references should be clear from what I say in the video, but let me know if any are not and I will add them here.
Пікірлер: 649
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@crispylicksguitar
3 ай бұрын
He’s from UK there not 35th on education
@mohammadtausifrafi8277
3 ай бұрын
Do you think the Nazis can validly claim a philosophical lineage from Nietzsche? It does seem so to me, but I am an ignorant person. I do know that Nietzsche's philosophy is not monolithic, but that should mean that his philosophical lineage can lead to different paths, and one such path does seem to align pretty well to Nazism. Am I wrong about it?
@tropickman
2 ай бұрын
The point on nihilism & hedonism sounded spot on. Focused on only yourself & what feels good at the moment. Considering where it has taken modern societies, its crazy how forward thinking he was.
@investisseurintelligent9828
Ай бұрын
In Russia they read Dostoevsky at the age of 14 on literature classes
@brendanerickson2363
Ай бұрын
@mohammadtausifrafi8277 Nietzsche was absolutely against anti-semitism and wrote about his dislike for it. The Nazis twisted and misused his work out of context and even posthumously plagiarized his work to fit their ideology. The Nazis stole ideas from many different places that have nothing to do with the hateful ideology.
Too much of modern education focuses on "finding your greatness," "pursuing your vision," and misses the beauty of being an ordinary person with a good soul.
@gl8715
Ай бұрын
❤
@artoace3728
Ай бұрын
Well I think people should do that, but they shouldn't let their visions get in the way of life while doing the things we love
@FaithfulMel
Ай бұрын
That’s deep
@immasi8922
Ай бұрын
Whay kind of modern education are you talking about? Schools, at least where im from, dont teach anything in regards to finding your greatness or pursuing your vision, theyre often embody the anthesisis of that idea.
@artoace3728
Ай бұрын
@immasi8922 I understand that but we have the internet we as people have the job to educate ourselves we can't depend on other people to teach us stuff they aren't willing to teach
"There are good books, there are great books, there is Dostoevsky" 👏
@SkillBasedGamer
Ай бұрын
Hey alright
C+P is what got me into Dostoevsky. Which is what got me into Russian literature. Which got me into Russian language. Which got me into studying, living and working in Russia. Which got me into Russian history. Which got me into publishing. And that's where I am today. The rabbit hole is deeper than you could possibly imagine.
@electricisnthereatthemomen6535
5 ай бұрын
Which got you to search up "crime and punishment" on KZread Which caused you to watch this video Which caused you to leave that comment today.
@JGSM_sar
3 ай бұрын
О! По русски базарить умеешь?
@seanl6478
3 ай бұрын
I know how you feel. I read Dostoevsky and now I’m married to a Russian.
@vincentcaudo-engelmann9057
3 ай бұрын
Badass. I love it.
@alexboros1751
3 ай бұрын
Much much deeper
This guy is underrated, he is absolutely amazing, soo much knowledge in this channel, keep posting mate
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words
@CareForEmAll
3 ай бұрын
The siege map claps back after the rework
@michaeldoran4367
Ай бұрын
I wish I could say words like "mate," "bloody," etc. without sounding like a douch bag. Americans can't say those words
Excellent video essay. I read this book when I was 16. I was highly unmotivated by school and was flirting with Nihilism. The school librarian would enable me when I’d sneak out of class, but she recommended this book. I think it single-handedly changed/saved my life. I never considered myself capable of murdering a pawn broker, or anyone for that matter, but I had a dichotomy of feeling othered my entire life, and unfitting to the world, but also a huge ego that fueled all the negative and petty resentment and cynicism in me. I still battle that tendency to be a cynic, but I only think of Raskolnikov and Sonya, and the fact that Dostoyevsky actually dictated the novel to his wife, and I think, no, life is full of mundane wonders, the beauty of the mundane beats the false sense of grandeur that many chase.
"A skeptic. Young, abstract, and therefore, a Fool."
I guess I'm lucky to be able to read this book in russian. That's definitely hard to read it, but in fact, in Russia teens read it in school when they are about 17 years old... A little bit early to understand it completely, but still. Great book and it deserves being so well-known
@user-ey5xw2nx9s
Ай бұрын
Russian students read it for exams, so... They lose nothing (because they get nothing)
@BSmeansBlueSalad
Ай бұрын
Yes I read it at 15 or 16 to prep for the SAT as a homeschooled student in the USA. These are thoughts that interested me while reading the book. It’s fascinating to reread it as a 30 year old parent and someone in the workplace in the society of western culture today.
@johnythepvpgod1470
Ай бұрын
I know Russian and I could barely read Dostoevsky, so I quit barely a few pages in. Recently though I started reading Seraphim Rose: life and works, in Russian (I absolutely reccomend it) and I could probably tackle Dostoevsky now
@mdesnica
19 күн бұрын
Good books should be re-read. Perhaps read it again when 40+.
i'll never forget reading this book for the first time in sophomore year of HS-- the Svidrigailov POV section toward the end absolutely blew my mind (it still does tbh)
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
It’s such an amazing sequence
@nicholas4727
4 ай бұрын
@@unsolicitedadvice9198The whole novel is just incredible. In my opinion you can't read it without it changing your life or touching your soul in some way.
I never heard any analysis so deep and clear as this. Thank you very much for sharing your ideas! I'll have you as an example of the teacher I one day want to be.
@unsolicitedadvice9198
3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! That is very kind of you
@_PieceOfSheet_
2 ай бұрын
To aceitando pix também se quiser
@susanfisher2581
Ай бұрын
R .❤yhid i.j lllllllllllllllĺllllĺllĺl😅😅@@_PieceOfSheet_
@rosemadder5547
15 күн бұрын
And so, you'll get there! You'll be a meaningful teacher, I'm sure of it ❤
how did you come to reach this level of understanding at such a young age?
@middleclasscow
5 ай бұрын
Might be a few people working on this channel and then he presents it to camera. Script writers knowledgeable in all these topics could write for him, but who knows. Good channel either way
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
It is just me for now, I’m afraid. And I don’t consider myself particularly good at understanding this sort of thing. I just apply the philosophy I know to my reading and hope that people find it helpful
@bazhumke4040
5 ай бұрын
as someone who enjoys engaging with the same concepts-- lots of reading is the answer 😂
@Takerofbootyeaterofcoochie
5 ай бұрын
Pain. Learning philosophy and actually experiencing it are vastly different.
@nemerem.A
4 ай бұрын
@@unsolicitedadvice9198you are being modest…. You have no idea how many times I’ve paused the video to process these
I want to point out something that I think Dostoyevsky wouldn’t want people to miss about the ending. At the end of the book when Raskolnikov confesses his love to Sonya he also converts to Christianity and stops being an atheist.
You are way too underrated. You have some of the best philosophy videos ive watched on youtube and has opened my mind to many other philosophies that i would've never learned of without these videos. Much love!
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! That’s really kind of you to say
@andrejg3086
5 ай бұрын
I agree 100%
When i was reading this book i definitely learned more about myself than i wanted. i was literally isolating myself because i blamed myself for losing someone i held dear. the ideas brought up in this book struck me very bluntly as during the part where he is so stricken with grief he will not leave his room i was literally living that. also you said to bring up the parts you missed so i will offer my best analysis of my favorite character (also i just want to write it). Marmeladov is an amazing character and i really don’t know where to begin but to start we should talk about how his alcoholism affects his relationship with those around him. it causes him to burden both himself and his family and brings a great deal of punishment upon him both physical and mental. It is almost as if he hates himself so much that he wants to numb it with drink, but simultaneously his drink causes him to obtain more punishment, which justifies his hatred of himself with the opinion of his fellow man. i cant remember if i cried to this part specifically but i did cry over the book multiple times and this is one of the worst stories. if i remember correctly raskolnikov takes pity on him which shows us how viewing others and more specifically judging them, we can often gain insight about ourselves because raskolnikov also punishes himself and although their in different situations they feel much the same self loathing. love this channel do notes from the underground next.
my existence has been a mixture of both raskolnikov and the underground man for pretty much my entire life, in ways that reach so deeply into my soul that it felt like reading a mirror i broke down in despair many times whilst reading both books im just trying to get it all together again thanks for this video
I was talking to a group of Veterans about whether we would or could ever kill. I said that were my children threatened, there is nothing I would not do. An SAS Vet looked me in the eye and said no. You wouldn't. I have wondered ever since what he saw and what he thinks he knows about me. I'm sure "ordinary people" are capable of great evil when they convince themselves it is necessary. Of course there is no telling how much I'd torture myself with remorse after the event.
Great work and analysis. When I read Dostojevskij for the first time back in the late 80's - I was immediately captured by the immense depth of his thinking. If I had to pick a favourite book - I simply couldn't. I'm glad that in my own country Denmark - all his books are regularly reprinted and. Every bookstore and libraries have his books, and the numbers sold and borrowed are quite simply astounding.
I just finished reading this novel and whilst I definitely enjoyed it I don't think I fully grasped how good of a book it actually is until I watched your video. So thank you so much for making me appreciate this wonderful tittle even more!
Been subscribed to you for a while now and it brings me great joy that your channel is growing fast. I wish more people were interested in what you have to say because I believe most of us can learn from your wise words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
This is the best analysis of crime and punishment I've heard. Great work
Keep up the grind! Your style and tone of speaking is great! Passionate and educative
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! I’m really glad you are finding them helpful
Man you have become my driving source in the past couple of weeks. Thank you
Great and thoughtful analysis. What struck me was your comment on how reading the book both fascinated you and made you feel tired. It reminded me of Gabor Mate reaction to reading his mother’s diary as it talked about the time of his greatest trauma. Going beyond the content of the book, you might consider Jung’s ‘shadow’ to understand the why. Now, in my late 60s, I have come to see life as a quest to heal the wounded child. This makes a lot of strange behavior more understandable. Redemption is the resolution of that trauma, which often takes the form of accepting the love and connection we do crave and are afraid to accept lest we lose it again.
Fantastic work. This was a wonderful video to listen to while driving. Really gets the mind turning. Will be watching other videos due to my joy of this one.
Your storytelling and intricate examinations are other worldly, looking forward to binging more of these.
Dude u r definetly my best 2024's subscription so far!! U reminded me of love for philosophy and reading. Keep the great work young lad!!
@unsolicitedadvice9198
4 ай бұрын
Thank you! That means a lot!
I read through the comments before watching the video and saw you giving responses to potential criticisms with an open mind. You're a young man with 67 long form videos--many of which appear aimed toward self-improvement--in no more than 11 months so I was skeptical, but you seem like a genuine and knowledgable content creator. After watching it, my opinion was unchanged. Nice work.
I chose to watch one of the videos of your channel on a whim, and now three videos down I've fallen into a rabbit hole that I can't seem to escape from. This is only the third video of yours that I've watched, but I also feel like it was the most profound and resonated with a lot of themes and moments in my life that I haven't yet fully comprehended. But have been given an insight to, simply from the sharing of your own experience and deductions. Thankfully, the full book of Crime and Punishment is 100% free on Google and so it seems like I found myself with another good book to pour my time into. Genuinely thank you, I nearly shed a couple of tears at the end of your video with the amount of passion and care that you put into the topic
@BreakingTheMatrix-cc1ct
Ай бұрын
Same😅😅👽👽👽 Unable to extricate myself
Brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed this. One of the best video essays I have seen on any subject. Thank you.
For such a young person, this is the best and most insightful analysis I have encountered about crime snd Punishment BRAVO👏👏👍🙏
Your analysis of Svidrigailov is absolutely fantastic.
The book was soo profoundly deep that i was struggling to get the ideas properly - starting with the very reason of Raskolnikov's act of murder. But you answered all that i was missing in the very first line of this video. Thank you. Now i realized how deep it is, way more than I had thought.
You really sold it to me and definitely going to pick this book up. I do think this book can have a deep impact on my life, im glad you made this video and that it appeared on my feed.
A passionate and brilliant presentation! thank you for your work Joseph
This was such a spectacular video to watch. I recently finished Crime and Punishment and I’ve found myself agreeing with the points you’ve made in this video. I look forward to watching your other videos!
Speaking at the proper pace , much appreciated.
I'm halfway through the novel when I see this. The novel and this video hits home and brought me to tears. I cant thank you enough for your interpretation of the novel because I feel like it's explaining and elaborating more on what my mind feels when reading the novels that I dont quite understand myself. May all of us get the strength to strive for the better everyday.
@user-zm8vt8dx2h
Ай бұрын
Мы это в 10 классе читали
@baekbadook
29 күн бұрын
@@user-zm8vt8dx2h lucky you, no mention of dostoevsky or anything in 23 years of my life.
Amazing bro, best summary and explanation of the book that i've seen ! taking a lot from the lessons you so well outline. Keep up the good work !
Phenomenal analysis my guy. Excited to see what else youve worked on after i finish this one.
I had a copy of the book and I finally read it because of this video. It was such a gift.
This was a profound analysis, I was enrapt for the full 46 minutes. Thank you for this.
Loved your work man ❤ Please don't stop it My request would be to make the same kind of analysis on other dostoesky novels like brother karamazov
Well done. I enjoy the format you chose as well and I hope you continue it. It has a very 'Cambridge Union Debate' feel to it. I truly quite enjoyed it. I started Dostoevsky because someone recommended I try it to better understand myself. They were absolutely right, and the second order effect of self-reflection because of Dostoevsky's work is something I genuinely attribute to helping me grow as a person. The "feeling alone in a crowded room of people" feeling. Being aware that having intense disdain for people you perceive as lesser than you will lead to your downfall. The ability to love (in my case the birth of my daughter) completely changing my paradigm on interpersonal engagements. The works of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, and Dostoevsky I can't celebrate enough.
Genius! You restored some of my lost faith in humanity. Keep posting!
An absolutely fantastic exploration of multiple psychological modes, and their consequence! Thank you for sharing your perspectives and insights.
i usually don't watch really long videos... but damn I sat here watching this man for 46 minutes
I literally love your outlook so much thanks for posting these
@unsolicitedadvice9198
2 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching them
Never attempted to read such an intimidating book. I am so intrigued. I absolutely love the premise.
I read C&P many years ago, but I vividly remember the visceral feelings of paranoia and dread that lingered even in between reading the book. I only caught glimpses of the redemption themes, so I'm grateful for the in-depth detailing. It expanded what was already one of the best books I've ever read.
I enjoyed your channel. For me, reading philosophy is hard and understanding their points of view is a extensive exercise. You helps me with the understanding of the european philosophy.
I felt this is what Parental Guidance should really be like when watching hard to swallow content with just of Age child. Thanks for the analysis. I can now read the book in a different light.
I primarily study ancient Greek, and interestingly Nei and Youngin constructs. I’m learning a lot from you. You are very well fleshed out as a thinker. Bravo, my friend.
Unforgivably underrated channel.
Many kudos to this video, It's "Crime and Punishment" which takes me back to life from my own world of absurdity. I think I can finally be able to reread books again.
your channel is a hidden gem , keep going
You look exactly what I tought Rodja looked like while I read the book!
This is really well written and delivered. Great work and great understanding of philosophy and literature.
Thanks to mandatory school readings, this masterpiece fell on my hands. And I must say, it really became responsible for the flurry of thoughts, culprit of many restless nights that followed. It's a wonderfully paced masterpiece that grabs your attention for no songle particular reason, but thanks to its power to allow little characters to manifest great things. Crime and Punishment is quite a read, and I highly encourage everyone to read it.
ahhhhh the one book in prison i did not have time to read. A lifer sentenced for murder had reccomended me the book and even lent it to me. He is now a free man now doing good things for the community at large.
Well done, sir. An excellent production and analysis.
I loved Crime and Punishment so much!! and this video made me fall in love with the book and the characters more I have already seen a lot of what He was talking about from reading the books but he really makes You understand things On another level.
Bright and breezy exposition, easily digestible! Very good…
Incredible analysis! I loved the book( and your video) very much. I’m excited to read more by Dostoyevsky.
INSTANT lifetime subscriber! Superbly thorough review that compels me to head to my library immediately.
Absolutely phenomenal video. Thank you for this top tier content.
Just wanna say keep going. U r doing an amazing work❤❤
You are my favorite KZreadr in such a short time.
This was a great analysis. My struggle with drugs had forced these ideas on me many times and this analysis allowed me to put an idea to the endless cycle of joy, suffering and boredom.
I read this at the height of covid and hated raskolnikov, but kept thinking how contrived the book was rather than thinking about the message. Thank you for providing clarification
You have just blown my mind.
This is so well done. Thank you! I'm currently reading the book with my 18 and 14 year old sons and I'm excited to show your analysis after we're finished. We've had so many great discussions along the way and your analysis will be a great way to sum it all up!
Я читав всі книгі Достоєвського і мені дуже цікавий Ваш погляд на його творчисть. Дякую, було дуже цікаво!
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! Glad you liked the video
thanks for this, I have been struggling with finding meaning to my life. although I know how much I feel fulfilled from loving and caring for people, I have started to judge them for not caring back. I see their naivety and feel terrible for not being able to be unfiltered and truly open to them.
@AvaniSingh-qv6rq
Ай бұрын
Wow you’ve managed to sum up what I feel when interacting with certain people in my life. Do you feel pity or pain for the naive ones as I do knowing that they’ll never be able to change ?
@HaruClarus
Ай бұрын
@@AvaniSingh-qv6rq right, they seem pitiful. its good to just love as much as u can and endure as much as u can before making the decision to stop. everything u do is okay, u can do what u want and u can feel what u feel. also, change is not possible for everyone. u know how some people get super anxious about even going on trips, like they'd think up scenarios because they're afraid or just straight up refuse to go as its someplace they've never been to and danger stuff. not the perfect example, but sure people think a lot about things before attempting to change. they get scared of the unsure future, a lot when its supposed to be changed. some people would stick to their jobs even facing mistreatment or ignoring their passion, they want life to be as it is, predictable. it gives a sense of hope and control. if they don't want to change, its alright, life is not a mathematical equation, there can't be one perfect solution for everyone. haha felt nice to write whatever out
Thank you for your amazing work. I will buy this book.
Thank you for bringing attention back to the classics
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Read this while I was locked up earlier this year, crazy to see an analysis right after lol
The opaqueness of our reality reveals the transparency of our thoughts. When we lose sight of our reality, society will remind us of our thoughts. = Behavior Sciences. I seem to have caught this idea as an observer looking into your take on Crime&Punishment. I really enjoyed it, thank you.
Wow! That was incredible! Thanks a lit for your review!
You've inspired me to read this book.
your so intelligent! your understanding and the way you apply your knowledge is admirable. i wish to be able to do this one day. thank you for putting so much time into making this it was really interesting!
This and Nietzches Thus Spoke Zarathustras really defined last year for me, spent hours absorbing both.
Amazing analysis! Just read the book and you have summarised it pretty well!
You new subscriber. First time I watched the ads for you as my gratitude. Thanks.
I have read the book a year or two ago (I was about thirteen years old...) and after reading it, it seemed a bit like I had gotten as mad as Raskolnikov himself; I had just been in someone elses mind, as much as I am in my own mind - and maybe even deeper. It worked like some sort of warning, but at the same time a deep, genuine call to nuance, forgiveness and love. When I think again of it, like I regularly do, I can feel the truly twisted mind and just get dizzy. This is what this teenager got from it. I should reread it. And maybe one more time. And one more. And... If there is any 'best book of all time' (which there is not!), it will at least come very, very close.
Amazing Video bro , your channel made me fall in love with philosophy and literature ❤❤❤
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! I’m glad to have been helpful
You and exurb1a have become some great influences in my life ty
This makes me want to read all those classics once more. Half a life has passed since, I hardly remember any details, I also have more Education to put those works into a broader context.
Fantastic stuff. Thank you 🙏🏻
I love your voice and your videos. please don't stop making them.
Goddamn dude, this is a great recap and discussion of the novel! You say you are not a historian, well I am, and I really appreciate your work and effort into this video
@unsolicitedadvice9198
4 ай бұрын
Ah thank you! I really appreciate it as this is definitely the video I have worked hardest on
My ears perked up when you mentioned Notes From the Underground. It's another very biting teardown of materialist atheism and nihilism.
I am a second year bachelor student of geography, but more and more I am confronted with a vague feeling that I have taken a wrong path in my studies, this feeling is now almost undeniable. I got into dostoyevsky after reading a book by a Dutch columnist on dostoyevsky and his critique on european societies and his view of russian orthodox Christianity as being superior and the path of life which leads to self fulfillment and the least amount of unneeded suffering. Your videos, especially your debunks of dostoyevsky, help me understand that I want to commit myself to philosophy and start a new traject of studying it!! Thank you!
I started reading Dostoyevsky after doing a study of the Crimean War for a Russian character I wanted to develop on my own project. I started with The Idiot and halfway through, it was clear to me that I was going to have to read everything that he wrote, not just for the historical perspective on Russian society in that era, but just for the sheer enjoyment of it. I am fascinated by the way he develops his simple, ordinary characters. He was not a battle-weary man of age himself when he did most of his writing - how did he understand us all so well? I was going to read Poor People next but I will take up Crime and Punishment instead, as interesting as your review here has been (many thanks for it!).
@ishmael_03
3 ай бұрын
He was able to understand the human condition through the wisdom of Orthodox Christianity.
@YourEyes-wl8ke
Ай бұрын
@@ishmael_03 hwo do you know that
@ishmael_03
Ай бұрын
@@YourEyes-wl8ke Because that is the lens he was using.
this was like a gut punch to my soul
I needed this - thanks
Great video. I will definitely pick up this book.
I love your videos. I'm glad i found it. I'm from Ghana.
You have a very unique way of speaking, I loved listening to you on this
@unsolicitedadvice9198
2 ай бұрын
Thank you!
I have watched with pleasure your interpretation of my favourite book.
@unsolicitedadvice9198
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! It is coming close to my favourite as well
Thank you for making this video!!! I can't tell you how refreshing to see such an impassioned, enlightening literary analysis that is also unpretentious and accessible to ppl like me, who endured the crime and punishment of the Texas public education system 😅 I can't blame my teachers, I was a "gifted learner" (terrible student) and assumed i knew more than Dusty-ol'-yevsky, setting the book down around 5 chapters in. I assumed I'd already recognized and dealt with the lil Raskolnikov in me, but this video reminded me that the endeavor to be an extraordinarily ordinary man is forever, and there will always be new, fascinating facets of humanity to explore. Thank you again, please keep up the fantastic work!!