Who among us has the strength to oppose petty egoism, those petty good feelings, pity and remorse?

That's what children are for—that their parents may not be bored.

I don't see why it's impossible to express everything that's on one's mind.

In days of doubt, in days of dreary musings on my country's fate, you alone are my comfort and support, oh great, powerful, righteous, and free Russian language!

He was the soul of politeness to everyone -- to some with a hint of aversion, to others with a hint of respect.

However much you knock at nature's door, she will never answer you in comprehensible words.

Looking about me, listening and recalling what the day had been like, I suddenly felt a secret unease in my heart and raised my eyes to the sky, but even in the sky there seemed to be no tranquillity. Dotted with stars, it constantly quivered and danced and shivered.