An artist must know the reality he is depicting in its minutest detail. In my opinion we have only one shining example of that - Count Leo Tolstoy.

If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment-as well as the prison.

Brother, I’m not depressed and haven’t lost spirit. Life everywhere is life, life is in ourselves and not in the external. There will be people near me, and to be a human being among human beings, and remain one forever, no matter what misfortunes befall, not to become depressed, and not to falter – this is what life is, herein lies its task.

Because everyone is guilty for everyone else. For all the 'wee ones,' because there are little children and big children. All people are 'wee ones.' And I'll go for all of them, because there must be someone who will go for all of them.

Power is given only to him who dares to stoop and take it ... one must have the courage to dare.

But what are years, what are months!" he would exclaim. "Why count the days, when even one day is enough for man to know all happiness.

I am strongly convinced that not only too much consciousness but even any consciousness at all is a sickness.