Death is like a fisherman, who, having caught a fish in his net, leaves it in the water for a time; the fish continues to swim about, but all the while the net is round it, and the fisherman will snatch it out in his own good time.
IVAN TURGENEVDeath is like a fisherman, who, having caught a fish in his net, leaves it in the water for a time; the fish continues to swim about, but all the while the net is round it, and the fisherman will snatch it out in his own good time.
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 TURGENEVThe past was a dream wasn’t it? And who ever remembers dreams?
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 TURGENEVLove isn’t actually a feeling at all–it’s an illness, a certain condition of body and soul…. Usually it takes possession of someone without his permission, all of a sudden, against his will–just like cholera or a fever.
IVAN TURGENEVLove, I thought, is stronger than death or the fear of death. Only by it, by love, life holds together and advances.
IVAN TURGENEVI agree with no one’s opinion. I have some of my own.
IVAN TURGENEVEvery man’s happiness is built on the unhappi-ness of another.
IVAN TURGENEVIt was only the vulgarly mediocre that repelled her.
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 TURGENEVI never started from ideas but always from character.
IVAN TURGENEVTo desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness.
IVAN TURGENEVWe sit in the mud and reach for the stars.
IVAN TURGENEVA person who gets angry at his own illness is sure to overcome it.
IVAN TURGENEVThere are some moments in life, some feelings; one can only point to them and pass by.
IVAN TURGENEVThe word tomorrow was invented for indecisive people and for children.
IVAN TURGENEV