Anna Petrovna (to Shabelsky): You can't make a simple joke without an injection of venom. You are a poisonous man. Joking apart, Count, you're very poisonous. It's hideously boring to live with you. You're always grumpy, complaining, you find everyone bad, good for nothing. Tell me frankly, Count, did you ever speak well of anyone?

Solomon made a big mistake when he asked for wisdom.

Even while lying, you'll be believed if you speak with authority.

In my head there is a whole army of people asking to be let out and waiting for the word of command.

Who keeps the tavern and serves up the drinks? The peasant. Who squanders and drinks up money belonging to the peasant commune, the school, the church? The peasant. Who would steal from his neighbor, commit arson, and falsely denounce another for a bottle of vodka? The peasant.

Try to reason about love, and you will lose your reason.

There ought to be a man with a hammer behind the door of every happy man.