When the whole discussion of "developing a national idea" hastily began in post-Soviet Russia, I tried to pour cold water on it with the objection that, after all the devastating losses we had experienced, it would be quite sufficient to have just one task: the preservation of a dying people.

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.

It's not the sea that drowns you-it's the puddle.

Gradually it was disclosed to me that the line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either - but right through every human heart...

The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?

It was wrong to be too pragmatic, to judge people solely by results; it was more humane to judge by intentions.

Everyone is guilty of something or has something to conceal. All one has to do is look hard enough to find what it is.