So long as one’s just dreaming about what to do, one can soar like an eagle and move mountains, it seems, but as soon as one starts doing it one gets worn out and tired.
IVAN TURGENEVSo long as one’s just dreaming about what to do, one can soar like an eagle and move mountains, it seems, but as soon as one starts doing it one gets worn out and tired.
IVAN TURGENEVI never started from ideas but always from character.
IVAN TURGENEVAh, but in time the heat of noontide passes, and to it there succeed nightfall and dusk, with a return to the quiet fold where for the weary an the heavy-laden there waits sleep, sweet sleep.
IVAN TURGENEVNo matter how often you knock at nature’s door, she won’t answer in words you can understand–for Nature is dumb. She’ll vibrate and moan like a violin, but you mustn’t expect a song.
IVAN TURGENEVMost people can’t understand how others can blow their noses differently than they do.
IVAN TURGENEVEach individual is more or less dimly aware of his significance, is aware that he’s something innately superior, something eternal–and lives, is obligated to live, in the moment and for the moment.
IVAN TURGENEVThe word tomorrow was invented for indecisive people and for children.
IVAN TURGENEVYou may live a long while with some people and be on friendly terms with them and never speak openly with them from your soul.
IVAN TURGENEVA son is like a lopped off branch. As a falcon he comes when he wills and goes where he lists.
IVAN TURGENEVNothing is worse and more hurtful than a happiness that comes too late.
IVAN TURGENEVWhat’s important is that twice two is four and all the rest’s nonsense.
IVAN TURGENEVIf we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.
IVAN TURGENEVBehind me there are already so many memories Lots of memories, but no point in remembering them, and ahead of me a long, long road with nothing to aim for I just don’t want to go along it.
IVAN TURGENEVTo desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness.
IVAN TURGENEVNothing is worse and more hurtful than a happiness that comes too late. It can give no pleasure, yet it deprives you of that most precious of rights – the right to swear and curse at your fate!
IVAN TURGENEVIllness isn’t the only thing that spoils the appetite.
IVAN TURGENEV