What does the underground man in 'Notes from Underground' express dissatisfaction with?

The underground man in 'Notes from Underground' expresses profound dissatisfaction with utilitarianism and modern society. This discontent stems from his belief that utilitarian thought reduces human life to a mere calculation of pleasure and pain, stripping away individual agency and moral complexity. He criticizes the societal tendency to prioritize practicality and efficiency over deeper emotional and ethical considerations.

The underground man argues that such a worldview diminishes the richness of human experience by failing to recognize the intrinsic value of individuality, suffering, and existential struggle. He feels alienated by a society that embraces rationality and conformity, believing it neglects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of human existence, which cannot be neatly quantified or understood through utilitarian principles.

This critique sets the foundation for his character's rebellious and cynical outlook, highlighting a fundamental conflict between his personal experiences and the societal norms of his time, particularly regarding how modernity values efficiency over the messiness of human emotions and moral dilemmas.