In Varenka, she realized that one has but to forget oneself and love others, and one will be calm, happy, and noble.

For if we allow that human life is always guided by reason, we destroy the premise that life is possible at all.

A writer is dear and necessary for us only in the measure of which he reveals to us the inner workings of his very soul.

What are wanted ...are not Constitutions and Revolutions, nor all sorts of Conferences and Congresses, nor the many ingenious devices for submarine navigation and aerial navigation, nor powerful explosives, nor all sorts of conveniences to add to the enjoyment of the rich, ruling classes... but one thing only is needful: the knowledge of the simple and clear truth ...that for our life one law is valid - the law of love, which brings the highest happiness to every individual as well as to all mankind.

The teaching of the church, theoretically astute, is a lie in practice and a compound of vulgar superstitions and sorcery.

These joys were so trifling as to be as imperceptible as grains of gold among the sand, and in moments of depression she saw nothing but the sand; yet there were brighter moments when she felt nothing but joy, saw nothing but the gold.

He never chooses an opinion; he just wears whatever happens to be in style.