Alexander Pushkin Quotes

It is better to have dreamed a thousand dreams that never were than never to have dreamed at all. I want to understand you, I study your obscure language. Inspiration is an ability to put yourself in a working condition. Like wine, the sorrow of past days is stronger with time. I do not like Moscow life. You live here not as you want to live, but as old women want you to. Dearer to me than a host of base truths is the illusion that exalts. Upon the brink of the wild stream he stood and dreamt a mighty dream. If you but knew the flames that burn in me which I attempt to beat down with my reason. Better the illusions that exalt us than ten thousand truths. A deception that elevates us is dearer than a host of low truths. I was not born to amuse the Tsars. The nation which rejects its past is miserable. Then came a moment of renaissance, I looked up you again are there, A fleeting vision, the quintessence of all that's beautiful and rare My whole life has been pledged to this meeting with you... Thus heaven's gift to us is this: that habit takes the place of bliss. If you but knew the flames that burn in me which I attempt to beat down with my reason. A deception that elevates us is dearer than a host of low truths.

Alexander Pushkin

1799 - 1837