For me, Dostoevsky, the Russian novelist, sort of top of that list. His books, The Brothers Karamazov and Crime and Punishment and Notes from Underground, The Devils, are unbelievably compelling works of fiction and they're deep.
Jordan Peterson · The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast · Jun 2026 Listen at 14:02 Why people recommend it
The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a complex and deeply philosophical novel exploring the ideological extremes and political turbulence of 19th-century Russia. Jordan B. Peterson cited the book on The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast as a prime example of a compelling work of fiction that had a profound personal and intellectual impact on him, placing it alongside other masterworks by the famous Russian novelist. In a subsequent episode, Peterson referenced the novel, also known as The Possessed, to illustrate Dostoevsky's remarkable foresight regarding the catastrophic rise of totalitarian ideologies and the destructive nature of the communist revolution. He emphasized how the author accurately diagnosed the spiritual and psychological sickness underlying radical political movements of his era. Through these discussions, Peterson demonstrated how the timeless themes and character studies within the text continue to offer vital warnings about human behavior and societal collapse. The novel remains a cornerstone of classic literature for readers seeking profound psychological depth and sharp political critique, values that continue to resonate strongly in contemporary discussions about morality, ideology, and the fundamental structure of human society.
Every mention
Jordan Peterson For me, Dostoevsky, the Russian novelist, sort of top of that list. His books, The Brothers Karamazov and C… 2
“He did that in a book called The Devils or The Possessed, and in many of his other books as well, not least in Notes from Underground.”
“For me, Dostoevsky, the Russian novelist, sort of top of that list. His books, The Brothers Karamazov and Crime and Punishment and Notes from Underground, The Devils, are unbelievably compelling works of fiction and they're deep.”
