it’s not my job to preach a sermon. Art is anyhow a homily. My job is to speak in living images, not in arguments. I must exhibit life full-face, not discuss life.
NIKOLAI GOGOLit’s not my job to preach a sermon. Art is anyhow a homily. My job is to speak in living images, not in arguments. I must exhibit life full-face, not discuss life.
NIKOLAI GOGOLSank into the profound slumber which comes only to such fortunate folk as are troubled neither with mosquitoes nor fleas nor excessive activity of brain.
NIKOLAI GOGOLFor public opinion does not admit that lofty rapturous laughter is worthy to stand beside lofty lyrical emotion and that there isall the difference in the world between it and the antics of a clown at a fair.
NIKOLAI GOGOLHowever stupid a fools words may be, they are sometimes enough to confound an intelligent man.
NIKOLAI GOGOLFor contemporary judgment does not recognize that much depth of soul is needed to light up the picture drawn from contemptible life and elevate it into a pearl of creation.
NIKOLAI GOGOLThere are certain words which are nearer and dearer to a man than any others.
NIKOLAI GOGOLThe experience of ages has shown that a man who works on the land is purer, nobler, higher, and more moral… Agriculture should be at the basis of everything. That’s my idea.
NIKOLAI GOGOLBut wise is the man who disdains no character, but with searching glance explores him to the root and cause of all.
NIKOLAI GOGOLWhat is stronger in us – passion or habit? Or are all the violent impulses, all the whirl of our desires and turbulent passions, only the consequence of our ardent age, and is it only through youth that they seem deep and shattering?
NIKOLAI GOGOLThe more debris there is the more it will show the governor’s activity.
NIKOLAI GOGOLWhat are you laughing at? You are laughing at yourself.
NIKOLAI GOGOLThere are people who exist in this world not like entities but like the speckles or spots on something.
NIKOLAI GOGOLThe longer and more carefully we look at a funny story, the sadder it becomes.
NIKOLAI GOGOLEverything resembles the truth, everything can happen to a man.
NIKOLAI GOGOLI tell everyone very plainly that I take bribes, but what kind of bribes? Why, greyhound puppies. That’s a totally different matter.
NIKOLAI GOGOLIt is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.
NIKOLAI GOGOL