The sole substitute for an experience which we have not ourselves lived through is art and literature.

We are all human, and our senses are quicker to prompt us than our reason. Every man gives off a scent, and that scent tells you how to act before your head does.

For a country to have a great writer is like having a second government. That is why no regime has ever loved great writers, only minor ones.

First would be the literary side, then the spiritual and philosophical. The political side is required principally because of the necessity of the current Russian position.

One word of truth outweighs the whole world.

If we live in a state of constant fear, can we remain human?

What is the most precious thing in the world? I see now that it is the knowledge that you have no part in injustice. Injustice is stronger than you, it always was and always will be, but let it not be done through you.