Anton Chekhov

Better to perish from fools than to accept praises from them.

Anton Chekhov

Calculating selfishness is the annihilation of self.

Anton Chekhov

Common hypocrites pass themselves off as doves; political and literary hypocrites pose as eagles. But don’t be fooled by their eagle-like appearance. These are not eagles, but rats or dogs.

Anton Chekhov

Country acquaintances are charming only in the country and only in the summer. In the city in winter they lose half of their appeal.

Anton Chekhov

Death is terrifying, but it would be even more terrifying to find out that you are going to live forever and never die.

Anton Chekhov

Despicable means used to achieve laudable goals render the goals themselves despicable.

Anton Chekhov

Despite your best efforts, you could not invent a better police force for literature than criticism and the author’s own conscience.

Anton Chekhov

Do you know when you may concede your insignificance? Before God or, perhaps, before the intellect, beauty, or nature, but not before people. Among people, one must be conscious of one’s dignity.

Anton Chekhov

Do you see that tree? It is dead but it still sways in the wind with the others. I think it would be like that with me. That if I died I would still be part of life in one way or another.

Anton Chekhov

Doctors are the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too.

Anton Chekhov