Fyodor Dostoevsky The Genesis of Genius

Fyodor Michailovich Dostoevsky was a 19th century Russian author whose literary contributions have been some of the most influential in history. Despite being predominantly a writer of fiction, one cannot deny the influence that he had over the fields of philosophy, psychology, and theology. This article does not aim to provide an in-depth analysis of all of Dostoevsky’s ideas and their biographical roots. Rather, to provide the reader with the cultural and biographical influences for the cornerstones of his worldview, facilitating interpretation and reflection on his ideas. By discussing the genesis of his anthropological framework, his views on the nature of man, his fear of nihilism, and finally the solution which he found in Christ, readers would be able to better appreciate the works of Dostoevsky and understand, with more clarity, the reasons for why he held certain positions.