While the experience was definitely traumatic for Fyodor Mikhailovich, he internalized the situation much differently. This scene was to serve as a reaffirmation and strengthening agent of his religious beliefs. This close scrape with death gave Dostoevsky a new appreciation of life. In a letter to his brother Mikhail, Fyodor told him of his new outlook towards life. Never before had Fyodor had a true appreciation for life.
Life is a gift, life is happiness, every minute can be an eternity of happiness.
As his appreciation for life was renewed, he discovered that man can overcome oppressive circumstances and be joyful. In unconditional love was the hope for the future of the world. Dostoevsky's views changed from one of social revolution to a more spiritual level, as he realized that though he could not ever change the past, it was possible to change the future. With this newfound attitude towards life, Dostoevsky was prepared to face his sentence of labor camp and Siberian exile with a spiritual strength and a positive vision of the future. Although he had found this fantastic personal strength with which to overcome the worst misery, he realized the fruitlessness of trying to convince others.