When describing nature, a writer should seize upon small details, arranging them so that the reader will see an image in his mind after he closes his eyes. For instance: you will capture the truth of a moonlit night if you'll write that a gleam like starlight shone from the pieces of a broken bottle, and then the dark, plump shadow of a dog or wolf appeared. You will bring life to nature only if you don't shrink from similes that liken its activities to those of humankind.

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

It is always "Youth, youth," when there is nothing else to be said.

..when one has no real life, one lives by mirages. It's still better than nothing.

The University brings out all abilities, including incapability.

My mother and father are the only people on the whole planet for whom I will never begrudge a thing. Should I achieve great things, it is the work of their hands; they are splendid people and their absolute love of their children places them above the highest praise. It cloaks all of their shortcomings, shortcomings that may have resulted from a difficult life.

I kept thinking how marvellous it would be if I could somehow tear my heart, which felt so heavy, out of my chest.