Dostoevsky and Freedom Through Street Riding

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground is often recognised as one of the first existentialist works of literature. The novella, written in 1864, explores complex philosophical themes, including individual freedom, the nature of human existence, and the clash between rationality and emotion. Dostoevsky’s underground man, an unnamed narrator, is trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and defiance, all while grappling with the paradox of human freedom and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. While Notes from Underground was written long before BMX and street riding existed, the text offers profound insights into concepts of freedom and ethics that resonate with these modern pursuits. Street riding, in particular, is deeply rooted in ideas of freedom, self-expression, and ethical boundaries, making Dostoevsky’s work an apt lens through which to examine these themes.

This blog explores the lessons Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground can teach us about street riding in BMX, freedom, and ethics. Through the lens of the underground man’s struggles with individual autonomy, rebellion against societal norms, and the ethical dilemmas of freedom, we can glean insights into the experience of street riding and its connections to self-expression and personal morality.

The Underground Man and the Nature of Freedom

In Notes from Underground, the underground man is a deeply conflicted figure who rejects the constraints of society, only to find himself trapped by his own hyper-consciousness. His internal monologues offer a scathing critique of the idea that human beings can live in perfect rationality and harmony, as posited by Enlightenment thinkers. Instead, the underground man insists that true freedom lies in the irrational, the unpredictable, and the refusal to conform.

This idea of freedom aligns closely with the ethos of BMX street riding, which is rooted in subverting norms and embracing personal autonomy. BMX street riding, unlike competitive BMX racing or the controlled environment of skateparks, takes place in urban settings, where riders interact with the natural architecture of the city—ledges, rails, stairs, and other obstacles. These spaces are not designed for riding, but they are repurposed by riders to create new forms of expression. In this way, street riding can be seen as a rejection of imposed limitations, much like the underground man’s rebellion against the deterministic frameworks of society.

The underground man’s musings on free will provide a useful framework for understanding the freedom inherent in BMX street riding. He argues that true freedom does not come from following a rational plan or adhering to societal expectations but rather from the ability to make choices, even if those choices are self-destructive or irrational. Similarly, BMX street riders often defy conventional uses of public spaces, choosing to ride in places that might seem illogical or even dangerous. This form of riding is not about following prescribed routes or achieving a specific goal; instead, it is about the freedom to create one’s own path, regardless of the risks or consequences.

Rebellion Against Norms: BMX and the Underground Man’s Defiance

One of the defining characteristics of street riding in BMX is its rebellion against the established norms of urban life. Riders often confront the physical and social boundaries of the city, transforming spaces that are meant for walking, sitting, or driving into playgrounds for their bikes. This act of repurposing the city is inherently rebellious, challenging the way people are expected to interact with their environment. In many cases, street riders are seen as transgressive figures, much like the underground man, who takes pride in defying the conventions of his society.

The underground man’s rebellion is deeply personal. He rejects societal expectations not out of a desire to change the world but out of a deep-seated need to assert his own individuality. This sense of rebellion for the sake of personal freedom is mirrored in BMX street riding. Street riders are not necessarily interested in changing the city’s infrastructure or challenging urban planning; instead, they are asserting their right to use public spaces in ways that feel authentic to them. In this sense, BMX street riding can be seen as a form of individual resistance, a way of asserting personal autonomy in a world that often feels constraining.

Moreover, the underground man’s defiance is characterised by a rejection of easy solutions and comfortable truths. He embraces the idea that life is inherently difficult and that freedom often comes at a cost. In a similar vein, street riders embrace the challenges of urban environments, where the terrain is unpredictable and the risks are high. Rather than seeking out smooth, controlled environments, street riders thrive in the complexity and danger of the city. This embrace of difficulty and risk is central to both the underground man’s philosophy and the experience of BMX street riding.

The Ethical Dilemmas of Freedom

While freedom is a central theme in Notes from Underground, the underground man also grapples with the ethical implications of his actions. He is acutely aware that his choices, though free, often lead to harm—both to himself and to others. This tension between freedom and ethics is a key theme in the novella, and it raises important questions about the responsibilities that come with personal autonomy.

In the context of BMX street riding, these ethical dilemmas are also present. Street riding often involves using public spaces in ways that were not intended, which can lead to conflicts with pedestrians, property owners, and city authorities. Riders must navigate the tension between their desire for freedom and the potential consequences of their actions. For instance, street riding can sometimes cause damage to public or private property, raising questions about the ethical responsibility of riders to respect the spaces they use.

The underground man’s philosophy offers a nuanced perspective on these ethical dilemmas. He acknowledges that freedom is inherently messy and that it often leads to conflict. However, he also suggests that the pursuit of freedom is a fundamental human drive, one that cannot be easily suppressed or controlled. In the same way, BMX street riders may recognise that their actions have ethical implications, but they continue to ride because the pursuit of freedom and self-expression is a central part of their identity.

At the heart of the underground man’s ethical struggle is the question of how to live authentically in a world that imposes constraints. He recognises that his freedom often comes at the expense of others, but he is unwilling to give up that freedom in exchange for conformity. This ethical tension is mirrored in the experience of street riders, who must balance their desire for personal autonomy with the impact their actions have on the broader community.

Freedom as Self-Expression

One of the most profound lessons we can draw from Notes from Underground in relation to BMX street riding is the idea that freedom is not simply the absence of constraints but the ability to express one’s true self. For the underground man, this means rejecting societal expectations and embracing his own flawed, irrational nature. Similarly, for BMX street riders, freedom is not just about riding in public spaces but about using those spaces to express their unique style and creativity.

Street riding in BMX is often seen as an art form, where riders use the city as a canvas for their tricks and stunts. Each rider develops their own style, influenced by their environment, their skills, and their personality. This emphasis on individuality and self-expression is central to both street riding and the underground man’s philosophy. For both, freedom is not about following a set of rules or achieving a specific outcome; it is about the ability to create something that is uniquely one’s own.

In this sense, street riding can be seen as a form of existential freedom, where the rider defines their own meaning and purpose through their actions. This aligns with the underground man’s rejection of predetermined goals and rational systems. For both the underground man and the street rider, freedom is not about achieving success or fulfilling societal expectations but about living authentically and embracing the unpredictability of life.

The Role of Conflict in Freedom

Conflict is a recurring theme in Notes from Underground, where the underground man is constantly at odds with himself, with others, and with society as a whole. He finds himself in a state of perpetual conflict, driven by his desire for freedom but unable to reconcile that freedom with the realities of the world around him. This sense of conflict is also central to the experience of BMX street riding, where riders must navigate physical obstacles, social boundaries, and the inherent risks of the sport.

In both the novella and street riding, conflict is not something to be avoided but something to be embraced as part of the process of self-discovery. The underground man’s internal struggles lead him to a deeper understanding of his own nature, even if that understanding is painful. Similarly, street riders often find that the challenges and risks of riding in the city lead to a deeper sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The conflict between freedom and constraint, between the individual and society, is an essential part of both the underground man’s experience and the experience of street riding.

Ethics and Community in Street Riding

While street riding is often seen as an individualistic pursuit, it also has a strong community aspect. Riders often form tight-knit groups, sharing tips, supporting each other, and pushing each other to improve. This sense of community is important because it introduces a different dimension to the ethical dilemmas of street riding. While riders may prioritise their own freedom, they are also part of a larger community that values respect, support, and mutual aid.

In this sense, the ethical dilemmas of street riding are not just about the rider’s relationship with the city but also about their relationship with other riders. This introduces a form of ethical responsibility that goes beyond the individual, challenging riders to consider how their actions affect not only themselves but also the community they are a part of. This sense of ethical responsibility to others is something that the underground man struggles with throughout Notes from Underground as he grapples with the implications of his own freedom for those around him.

Conclusion: Freedom, Ethics, and Street Riding Through the Lens of Dostoevsky

Notes from Underground offers a rich philosophical framework for understanding the complex relationship between freedom, ethics, and street riding in BMX. Through the underground man’s struggles with autonomy, rebellion, and ethical responsibility, we can see parallels to the experience of street riders, who navigate the challenges of urban environments while asserting their own individuality.

At its core, street riding is about the pursuit of freedom, not just in the physical sense of riding through the city but in the deeper sense of expressing one’s true self in a world that often feels constraining. Like the underground man, street riders embrace the messiness of freedom, recognising that it often comes with conflict, risk, and ethical dilemmas. However, they also understand that this freedom is a fundamental part of who they are, and they continue to ride because it allows them to live authentically, even in the face of obstacles.In this way, Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground can teach us valuable lessons about the nature of freedom and the ethical complexities of street riding. Both the underground man and the street rider are engaged in a constant struggle to assert their autonomy and to find meaning in a world that resists easy answers. Through this struggle, they come to understand that true freedom is not about escaping conflict or avoiding responsibility but about embracing the challenges of life and finding a way to live authentically, even in the face of uncertainty.