I have always insisted on the need for local self-government for Russia, but I never opposed this model to Western democracy. On the contrary, I have tried to convince my fellow citizens by citing the examples of highly effective local self-government systems in Switzerland and New England, both of which I saw first-hand.

Every man always has handy a dozen glib little reasons why he is right not to sacrifice himself.

Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience usually recognize also the voice of justice.

It is within the power of writers and artists to do much more: to defeat the lie!

Someone that you have deprived of everything is no longer in your power. He is once again entirely free.

The secret is that when you've been pitched head first into hell you just write about it

In every life there is one particular event that is decisive for the entire person-for his fate, his convictions, his passions.