Lessons from Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Dostoevsky is one of the greatest writers. His works include 'Brothers Karamazov' and 'Crime and Punishment'.

'Notes from Underground' is considered the first work of existential literature. The Underground Man rejects rationalism and utilitarianism because it deprives humans of free will and dignity. He is self-loathing, intelligent and vengeful. He considers himself an anti-hero who doesn't care about anyone or anything and would rather watch the world burn so long as he can drink his tea.

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00:00 - Excerpt

04:00 - What is Notes from Underground?

05:00 - Who is the Underground Man and what is his purpose in life?

12:40 - Having a victim mentality and seeking sympathy from people

14:00 - Humans are contradictory creatures, not ever taking any actions, staying fragile

19:00 - Knowing what is good for you and not doing it!

25:50 - Why did Cleopatra enjoy hurting slave girls?

27:00 - Freedom without constraints is freedom

30:12 - The “chase” is the fulfilment and honestly expressing yourself

33:50 - Don’t develop your character because you’ll be a slave to yourself

36:20 - Always avoid confronting your demons by distracting yourself

39:00 - Looking for attention from anyone even if hurts you

43:45 - Desire to control other people

46:15 - Meeting Liza and avoiding true relationships

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IJ Makan is a philosopher, designer, and martial artist.

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