Kirilov in Demons

[Worm]

I hadn't known this before reading Demons, but now I see the scene with Stavrogin possible reflecting Dostoyevky's admonition to both the younger and older generations to devote themselves to serving Russia's common good, rather than either selfishness couched as Utopian idealism or a stale sort of stagnant aristocracy.

and this admonition isn't something of the past, but is very actual and relevant to this day, and definitly also of tomorrow and the day after that ... to far beyond the borders of just Russia...

[brainless]

The message is not that God prefers that we either reject or accept Him over not taking no stand at all. Rather, in whatever  way we serve Him we are to be fervent, active followers and servants.

who told you that?)))

[poor knight]

I think it makes a lot of sense given the historical context in which the town to which John was writing was set. Do you think, otherwise? If so, why?

[tzar]

... passage in Revelation: 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.'...The message is not that God prefers that we either reject or accept Him over not taking no stand at all. Rather, in whatever  way we serve Him we are to be fervent, active followers and servants...

prominent quote from the new testament, that one.
and - imo,
it implies that we shouldn't allow ourselves feel ''comfortable'' in this life.
on contrary,
wether we trust in god or not,
we should always be in a continual quest for some sort of ''holy grail'',
thus not allowing our souls to relax and enjoy ''life''.

[Stranger]

I'm almost inclined to believe that Kirillov's life wouldn't have been a waste. He seemed to have achieved what many of us are striving for, which is complete negation of self in service to an idea. His idea was perhaps incorrect, FD certainly believed so, but his will to serve was there. He merely needed the correct master.

Of course, that lets in thoughts of whether the longing to live up to your ideas is merely vanity, but that's another topic...