Do you know what is more hard to bear than the reverses of fortune? It is the baseness, the hideous ingratitude, of man.

Promptly improve your accidents.

In Russia there are no roads - only areas.

One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.

Man loves the marvelous. It has an irresistible charm for him. He is always ready to leave that with which he is familiar to pursue vain inventions. He lends himself to his own deception.

From triumph to downfall there is but one step. I have noted that, in the most momentous occasions, mere nothings have always decided the outcome of the greatest events.

What is the government? Nothing, unless supported by opinion.