Alexander Pushkin — "I hate tyranny, I hate slavery."

"To “seek inspiration” has always seemed to me a ridiculous and absurd fancy: inspiration cannot be sought out; it must find the poet."

"Against sweet passion's fire the sole defense, The shroud that shields a lover's recompense, And serves to cover up such sweet delights, Oh skirt! You are the one I now beseech, To you I hereby dedica…"

"Write for pleasure and publish for money."

"My uncle is a man of honour, When in good earnest he fell ill, He won respect by his demeanour. And found the role he best could fill. Let others profit by his lesson, But, oh my god, what desolation.…"

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