The paradox of Dostoevsky vs Edison

Some of us live by maxims of the famous luminaries, past and present. Yet, it is upon us to understand just what is correct, actionable, and sensible. Let’s consider the lie from the inside and out.

For us grown-ups

Let’s begin with the maxim from Fyodor Dostoevsky, “Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” This lofty admonition sounds almost Utopian, with dire consequences for violation. The self-lie is wrong.

 

For the kids.

We have “The Little Engine that Could,” a story used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work. This means to try hard regardless of doubt, also to be viewed as a possible self-lie. Dostoevsky instructs us not to, but most of us do try. Does this mean we lie to ourselves?

 

Yet, from another past luminary Thomas Edison, we have, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” What Edison is saying is we don’t know until we try. Hence, the lie can be good. Are we not all challenged to try to achieve more to accomplish things we doubt are possible? So, do we lie to ourselves that we can?

 

The paradox. The lie is bad, but the lie is good. In other words, if you don’t know what you can do, and then try, are you not lying to yourself or just trying for yourself?

The moral. Be careful with your maxims.