* * * * *
In the life of our towns there is no pessimism, no Marxism, and no movements, but there is stagnation, stupidity, mediocrity.
* * * * *
He had a thirst for life, but it seemed to him to mean that he wanted a drink—and he drank wine.
* * * * *
F. in the town-hall: Serguey Nik. in a plaintive voice: "Gentlemen, where can we get the means? Our town is poor."
* * * * *
To be idle involuntarily means to listen to what is being said, to see what is being done; but he who works and is occupied hears little and sees little.
* * * * *
In the skating rink he raced after L.; he wanted to overtake her and it seemed as if it were life which he wanted to overtake, that life which one cannot bring back or overtake or catch, just as one cannot catch one's shadow.