I was so drunk the whole time that I took bottles for girls and girls for bottles.

If you look at anything long enough, say just that wall in front of you - it will come out of that wall.

People are far more sincere and good-humored at speeding their parting guests than on meeting them.

Ivanov: Once I worked hard and thought a lot but I never got tired; now I do nothing and think of nothing, but I'm tired in body and spirit. My conscience aches day and night, I feel deeply guilty but I don't understand where I am actually at fault. And add to that my wife's illness, my lack of money, the constant bickering, gossip, unnecessary conversations, that stupid Borkin... My home has become loathsome to me and I find living there worse than torture.

Common hypocrites pass themselves off as doves; political and literary hypocrites pose as eagles. But don't be fooled by their eagle-like appearance. These are not eagles, but rats or dogs.

The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths.

In descriptions of nature one must seize on small details, grouping them so that when the reader closes his eyes he gets a picture.