For every prophet there are a thousand interpreters to distort the essence of the religion, to replace the bright flame with the heat of the inquisitors' pyres.

The common good and the individual good rarely coincide.

When leaders betray their people and the people don't overthrow them, it's not just the leaders who should be blamed.

You're a big boy, you ought to understand that punctual transport, public order and safe streets, polite people and good medical services are all the achievements of dictatorship.

Nobody can be forced to commit an act of villainy. You can't push anybody into the mud; people always step into it themselves.

Fairy tales lie just as much as statistics do, but sometimes you can find a grain of truth in them.

When there are strange things going on all around, every coincidence should be considered very carefully.

Drinking beer in a children's playground is an old Soviet tradition.

If you have love in you, it's a strength. But if you are in love, it's a weakness.

There is very much in the world that is bad. But usually the attempt to defeat evil engenders more evil. I advise you to do good; that is the only way to win the victory.

Love is happiness, but only when you believe it will last forever. Even though every time it turns out to be a lie, it’s only faith that gives love its strength and its joy.

I lost all I had known and gained a life I was yet to know.

Each of us can walk only the path he sees at his own feet. Each of us is subject to the consequences of his own belief.

The longer I've been a director, the less I have to 'direct.'

If I can talk, I can sing.

For me, the way I stay consistent is through stand-up comedy.

Trusting God is the answer. He will never let you down.

I remember the time I said, 'I don't think you love yourself. You need to learn to love yourself.'

The landscape with its violent, pure colours dazzled and blinded me. I was always uncertain.

I feel no care of coin,Well-doing is my wealth;My mind to me an empire is,While grace affordeth health.

A guy who'd cheat on his wife would cheat at cards.