Reforms in Russia are very tragic, but they always end in a farce.

Simple pleasures are the last healthy refuge in a complex world.

I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable.

Philosophy teaches us to bear with equanimity the misfortunes of others.

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.

I'm too old to know everything

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. We all have clouds above us but some see their silver linings. We all face difficulties but some of us are grateful that they aren't worse.