Country acquaintances are charming only in the country and only in the summer. In the city in winter they lose half of their appeal.

It is as acceptable now to love the wives of others as it is to smoke their cigars and read their books.

When one longs for a drink, it seems as though one could drink a whole ocean-that is faith; but when one begins to drink, one can only drink altogether two glasses-that is science.

Love, friendship and respect do not unite people as much as common hatred for something.

In all my life I never met anyone so frivolous as you two, so crazy and unbusinesslike. I tell you in plain Russian your property is going to be sold and you don't seem to understand what I say.

If you ever have need of my life, come and take it.

When asked, "Why do you always wear black?", he said, "I am mourning for my life.