Literature that is not the breath of contemporary society, that dares not transmit the pains and fears of that society . . . loses the confidence of its own people, and its published works are used as wastepaper instead of being read.

I have always had that inner drive, since my birth. And I have always devoted myself gladly to work - to work and to the struggle.

One should not ascribe the evil deeds of individual leaders or political regimes to an innate fault of the Russian people and their country.

A great disaster had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.

A genius doesn't adjust his treatment of a theme to a tyrant's taste

In all probability an outburst of desperation in the midst of general submissiveness will always help.

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