If I had any doubts at all about the justice of my dislike for Shakespeare, that doubt vanished completely. What a crude, immoral,vulgar, and senseless work Hamlet is. The whole thing is based on pagan vengeance; the only aim is to gather together as many effects as possible; there is no rhyme or reason about it.
Leo TolstoyThe antagonism between life and conscience may be removed in two ways: by a change of life or by a change of conscience.
Leo TolstoyInstead of going to Paris to attend lectures, go to the public library, and you won't come out for twenty years, if you really wish to learn.
Leo TolstoySeas of blood have been shed for the sake of patriotism. One would expect the harm and irrationality of patriotism to be self-evident to everyone. But the surprising fact is that cultured and learned people not only do not notice the harm and stupidity of patriotism, they resist every unveiling of it with the greatest obstinacy and passion (with no rational grounds), and continue to praise it as beneficent and elevating.
Leo Tolstoy