Alexander Pushkin

Russian poet

Modern influential 102 sayings

Sayings by Alexander Pushkin

The more we love, the more we suffer.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, often found in his lyrical poems or letters.
Controversial Unverifiable

What is freedom? The right to be a slave to one's own passions.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, often attributed to his more philosophical reflections.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a barbarian, I know nothing of civilization except its vices.

c. 1820s — Attributed to his letters or conversations, reflecting a critical view of European society.
Controversial Unverifiable

Envy is the sister of emulation, and emulation is the daughter of envy.

Early 19th century — Unspecified
Controversial Unverifiable

Genius and villainy are two things incompatible.

1830 — From 'Mozart and Salieri'
Controversial Unverifiable

Oh, how many discoveries does the spirit of enlightenment prepare for us!

1825-1832 — From 'Eugene Onegin'
Controversial Unverifiable

The purpose of poetry is poetry.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, a statement on art for art's sake.
Controversial Unverifiable

We are all lazy and incurious.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, a general observation on human nature.
Controversial Unverifiable

I value not the boisterous applause, the ecstasy, the general acclaim. I love the silence of the thoughtful mind, and the brief, warm praise of a true friend.

1830 — From 'To the Poet'
Controversial Unverifiable

The illusion that one can be master of one's fate is a pleasant one.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, often inferred from his works.
Controversial Unverifiable

There is no happiness in the world, there is only freedom and peace.

1825 — From a letter to P.A. Vyazemsky
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a Russian, by God!

Early 19th century — Attributed to his patriotic declarations, perhaps in letters or conversations.
Controversial Unverifiable

One should not despise public opinion. It is a powerful force.

Early 19th century — Unspecified
Controversial Unverifiable

The government is the sole European in Russia.

c. 1830s — Attributed to his critical observations on Russian society and state.
Controversial Unverifiable

Reading is the best learning.

Early 19th century — Unspecified
Controversial Unverifiable

A lie, of course, is a lie, but it is a necessary evil.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, reflecting a cynical view.
Controversial Unverifiable

Poetry should be a little foolish.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, a reflection on the nature of creative expression.
Controversial Unverifiable

The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.

Early 19th century (though the exact phrasing is from L.P. Hartley) — Often misattributed to Pushkin, but a sentiment he might have expressed in his historical works.
Controversial Unverifiable

What is truth? A question that has tormented mankind for centuries.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, a philosophical musing.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am always astonished at the ease with which people accept the most incredible things, provided they are presented with a serious face.

Early 19th century — Unspecified, a critical observation on human credulity.
Controversial Unverifiable