Notes From Underground

What man wants is simply independent choice, whatever that independence may cost and wherever it may lead.

if I don't consult a doctor it is from spite. My liver is bad, well—let it get worse!

Why, you … speak somehow like a book

if there were an earthquake, if all France perished at the barricades, they would still be the same

that. I swear, gentlemen, that to be too conscious is an illness—a real thorough-going illness.

a despicable way, I will not scratch it out on purpose!)

I used to be in the government service, but am no longer. I was a spiteful official. I was rude and took pleasure in being so. I did not take bribes, you see, so I was bound to find a recompense in that, at least. (A poor jest, but I will not scratch it out. I wrote it thinking it would sound very witty; but now that I have seen myself that I only wanted to show off in

I refuse to consult a doctor from spite.

I am well-educated enough not to be superstitious, but I am superstitious