The Dostoevsky ‘nonsense’ philosophy that can transform your email marketing

After committing murder, Raskolnikov grows increasingly conflicted in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment book.

Clinging to a flawed, borrowed theory, he tells himself:
"I am extraordinary. I have the right to break moral laws for a higher purpose."

But deep down, he doesn’t believe it.

That’s when his friend Razumikhin steps in.

Sensing Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil, Razumikhin pleads with him to embrace his flawed, authentic self rather than living by ideas that aren’t truly his. Then he delivers this timeless advice:

"Talk nonsense, but talk your own nonsense, and I'll kiss you for it. To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's."

It’s a call to authenticity. A reminder to speak and act from a place that’s true to you, no matter how imperfect it might seem.

Many of us build our communication (and even our lives) on borrowed ideas.

We try to sound smart, professional, or polished because we think that’s what people expect.

But in doing so, we lose the one thing that sets us apart: our authentic voice.

Take Donald Trump as an example.

Love him or hate him, Trump speaks his own nonsense. His unfiltered, unapologetic style makes him stand out. He doesn’t try to sound like every other politician.

He’s just a fake-hair, real-estate-billionaire-ginger who decided to run for president.

Sure, his words sound like nonsense to some, but it’s his nonsense. And it resonates with millions of his voters.

And that’s why he won.

Of course, not everyone will like your authentic self.

Some will ridicule you and use your words against you. But these people were never going to support or buy from you anyway.

What truly matters is the people who resonate with your message. They’ll lean in, trust you, and double down on their support. Because your nonsense is exactly what they want to hear.

And the same is true in email marketing.

Your audience doesn’t need polished perfection or robotic formality. They want to hear your voice. They want connection, not just communication.

This is where I come in. I help businesses craft emails that reflect their unique voice. Emails that engage, connect, and drive results.

So, if you’re ready to double down on your nonsense, let’s chat.