Pharisaism, obtuseness and tyranny reign not only in the homes of merchants and in jails; I see it in science, in literature, and among youth. I cons… - Anton Chekhov

My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, inspiration, love, and absolute freedom — freedom from violence and falsehood, no matter how the last two manifest themselves.

My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, inspiration, love, and the most absolute freedom imaginable, freedom from violence and lies, no matter what form the latter two take. Such is the program I would adhere to if I were a major artist.

People understand God as the expression of the most lofty morality. Maybe He needs only perfect people.

In Moscow you can sit in an enormous restaurant where you don’t know anybody and where nobody knows you, and you don’t feel all the same that you’re a stranger. And here you know everybody and everybody knows you, and you’re a stranger... and a lonely stranger.

HELENA. What a fine day! Not too hot. [A pause.]

VOITSKI. A fine day to hang oneself.