The meaning of earthly existence lies not, as we have grown used to thinking, in prospering, but in the development of the soul...
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynWhen you're young, you haven't the experience, when you're old you haven't the strength.
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynI can say without affectation that I belong to the Russian convict world no less than I do to Russian literature. I got my education there, and it will last forever.
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynShould one point out that from ancient times decline in courage has been considered the beginning of the end?
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynHow quickly a zek (a prisoner) gets cheeky-or, putting it in literary language, how quickly a man's requirements grow.
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynOn the way from the Renaissance to our days we have enriched our experience, but we have lost the concept of a Supreme Complete Entity which used to restrain our passions and our irresponsibility. We have placed too much hope in political and social reforms, only to find out that we were being deprived of our most precious possession: our spiritual life. In the East, it is destroyed by the dealings and machinations of the ruling party. In the West, commercial interests tend to suffocate it. This is the real crisis.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn