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100 Awesome Quotes By Anton Chekov, The Author Of Ivanov

Famous As: One of the Greatest Writers of All Time
Born On: January 29, 1860
Died On: July 15, 1904
Born In: Taganrog, Russia
Died At Age: 44

Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, was a playwright and also a writer of short stories, who is considered to be among the greatest short story writers to have ever lived. He studied medicine at First

Moscow State Medical University and had a private practice of his own, but he devoted his spare time to literary pursuits. Chekhov was active in the latter half of the 19th century and rose to prominence as not only a great short story writer but also for being one of the pioneering playwrights of the time. Chekhov is known as one of the pillars of the ideal of modernism that was also championed by August Strindberg and Henrik Ibsen. In a relatively short career he produced a total of four plays that are held in high regard among the giants of the theater world. ‘Three Sisters and Cherry Orchard’ remain his most well-known plays. As a short story writer, he portrayed the lives of ordinary Russians and some of the most famous ones are ‘Easter Eve’, ‘Small Fry’, ‘The Death of a Government Clerk’ and ‘A Gentleman Friend’ among others. Chekhov had also produced a treasure trove of quotes both at a personal level and also through his work. Here are the selected ones.

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Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.

Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.

Anton Chekhov
Perhaps man has a hundred senses, and when he dies only the five senses that we know perish with him, and the other ninety-five remain alive.

Perhaps man has a hundred senses, and when he dies only the five senses that we know perish with him, and the other ninety-five remain alive.

Anton Chekhov
Any idiot can face a crisis; it's this day-to-day living that wears you out.

Any idiot can face a crisis; it's this day-to-day living that wears you out.

Anton Chekhov
The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them.

The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them.

Anton Chekhov
What a fine weather today! Can’t choose whether to drink tea or to hang myself.

What a fine weather today! Can’t choose whether to drink tea or to hang myself.

Anton Chekhov
When asked,

When asked, "Why do you always wear black?", he said, "I am mourning for my life.

Anton Chekhov
The world is, of course, nothing but our conception of it.

The world is, of course, nothing but our conception of it.

Anton Chekhov
Wisdom.... comes not from age, but from education and learning.

Wisdom.... comes not from age, but from education and learning.

Anton Chekhov
Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.

Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.

Anton Chekhov
If you are afraid of loneliness, don't marry.

If you are afraid of loneliness, don't marry.

Anton Chekhov
Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress. When I get fed up with one, I spend the night with the other

Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress. When I get fed up with one, I spend the night with the other

Anton Chekhov
We shall find peace. We shall hear angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.

We shall find peace. We shall hear angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.

Anton Chekhov
Man is what he believes.

Man is what he believes.

Anton Chekhov
There should be more sincerity and heart in human relations, more silence and simplicity in our interactions. Be rude when you’re angry, laugh when something is funny, and answer when you’re asked.

There should be more sincerity and heart in human relations, more silence and simplicity in our interactions. Be rude when you’re angry, laugh when something is funny, and answer when you’re asked.

Anton Chekhov
A woman can become a man's friend only in the following stages - first an acquantaince, next a mistress, and only then a friend.

A woman can become a man's friend only in the following stages - first an acquantaince, next a mistress, and only then a friend.

Anton Chekhov
If ever my life can be of any use to you, come and claim it.

If ever my life can be of any use to you, come and claim it.

Anton Chekhov
To fear love is to fear life, and those whose fear life are already three parts dead...

To fear love is to fear life, and those whose fear life are already three parts dead...

Anton Chekhov
There is nothing more awful, insulting, and depressing than banality.

There is nothing more awful, insulting, and depressing than banality.

Anton Chekhov
The happy man only feels at ease because the unhappy bear their burden in silence. Without this silence, happiness would be impossible.

The happy man only feels at ease because the unhappy bear their burden in silence. Without this silence, happiness would be impossible.

Anton Chekhov
There are a great many opinions in this world, and a good half of them are professed by people who have never been in trouble.

There are a great many opinions in this world, and a good half of them are professed by people who have never been in trouble." (The Mill)

Anton Chekhov
The task of a writer is not to solve the problem but to state the problem correctly.

The task of a writer is not to solve the problem but to state the problem correctly.

Anton Chekhov
Even in Siberia there is happiness.

Even in Siberia there is happiness.

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.

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
Man will become better when you show him what he is like.

Man will become better when you show him what he is like.

Anton Chekhov
If my life can ever be of any use to you, come and take it.

If my life can ever be of any use to you, come and take it.

Anton Chekhov
Three o'clock in the morning. The soft April night is looking at my windows and caressingly winking at me with its stars. I can't sleep, I am so happy.

Three o'clock in the morning. The soft April night is looking at my windows and caressingly winking at me with its stars. I can't sleep, I am so happy.

Anton Chekhov
Nothing can be accomplished by logic and ethics.

Nothing can be accomplished by logic and ethics.

Anton Chekhov
Only one who loves can remember so well.

Only one who loves can remember so well.

Anton Chekhov
Dear and most respected bookcase! I welcome your existence, which has for over one hundred years been devoted to the radiant ideals of goodness and justice.

Dear and most respected bookcase! I welcome your existence, which has for over one hundred years been devoted to the radiant ideals of goodness and justice.

Anton Chekhov
They say philosophers and wise men are indifferent. Wrong. Indifference is a paralysis of the soul, a premature death.

They say philosophers and wise men are indifferent. Wrong. Indifference is a paralysis of the soul, a premature death.

Anton Chekhov
Be sure not to discuss your hero's state of mind. Make it clear from his actions.

Be sure not to discuss your hero's state of mind. Make it clear from his actions." (Letter to Alexander Chekhov, May 10, 1886)

Anton Chekhov
And what does it mean -- dying? Perhaps man has a hundred senses, and only the five we know are lost at death, while the other ninety-five remain alive.

And what does it mean -- dying? Perhaps man has a hundred senses, and only the five we know are lost at death, while the other ninety-five remain alive.

Anton Chekhov
MEDVIEDENKO 
Why do you always wear mourning? 

MASHA 
I dress in black to match my life. I am unhappy.

MEDVIEDENKO Why do you always wear mourning? MASHA I dress in black to match my life. I am unhappy.

Anton Chekhov
If you want to work on your art, work on your life.

If you want to work on your art, work on your life.

Anton Chekhov
Only during hard times do people come to understand how difficult it is to be master of their feelings and thoughts.

Only during hard times do people come to understand how difficult it is to be master of their feelings and thoughts.

Anton Chekhov
It's very hard, feeling that you're no more than a piece of unwanted furniture in this world.

It's very hard, feeling that you're no more than a piece of unwanted furniture in this world.

Anton Chekhov
I kept thinking how marvellous it would be if I could somehow tear my heart, which felt so heavy, out of my chest.

I kept thinking how marvellous it would be if I could somehow tear my heart, which felt so heavy, out of my chest.

Anton Chekhov
This life of ours...human life is like a flower gloriously blooming in a meadow: along comes a goat, eats it up---no more flower.

This life of ours...human life is like a flower gloriously blooming in a meadow: along comes a goat, eats it up---no more flower.

Anton Chekhov
When a lot of remedies are suggested for a disease, that means it cannot be cured.

When a lot of remedies are suggested for a disease, that means it cannot be cured.

Anton Chekhov
And only now, when he was gray-haired, had he fallen in love properly, thoroughly, for the first time in his life.

And only now, when he was gray-haired, had he fallen in love properly, thoroughly, for the first time in his life.

Anton Chekhov
Do silly things. Foolishness is a great deal more vital and healthy than our straining and striving after a meaningful life.

Do silly things. Foolishness is a great deal more vital and healthy than our straining and striving after a meaningful life.

Anton Chekhov
..when one has no real life, one lives by mirages. It's still better than nothing.

..when one has no real life, one lives by mirages. It's still better than nothing.

Anton Chekhov
Here I am with you & yet not for a single moment do I forget that there's an unfinished novel waiting for me.

Here I am with you & yet not for a single moment do I forget that there's an unfinished novel waiting for me.

Anton Chekhov
Fine. Since the tea is not forthcoming, let's have a philosophical conversation.

Fine. Since the tea is not forthcoming, let's have a philosophical conversation.

Anton Chekhov
There will come a time when everybody will know why, for what purpose, there is all this suffering, and there will be no more mysteries. But now we must live ... we must work, just work!

There will come a time when everybody will know why, for what purpose, there is all this suffering, and there will be no more mysteries. But now we must live ... we must work, just work!

Anton Chekhov
I should think I'm going to be a perpetual student.

I should think I'm going to be a perpetual student.

Anton Chekhov
In all the universe nothing remains permanent and unchanged but the spirit.

In all the universe nothing remains permanent and unchanged but the spirit.

Anton Chekhov
Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.

Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.

Anton Chekhov
I feel like a donkey, with a stick in my mouth and a carrot up my ass.

I feel like a donkey, with a stick in my mouth and a carrot up my ass.

Anton Chekhov
I don’t understand anything about the ballet; all I know is that during the intervals the ballerinas stink like horses.

I don’t understand anything about the ballet; all I know is that during the intervals the ballerinas stink like horses.

Anton Chekhov
My own experience is that once a story has been written, one has to cross out the beginning and the end. It is there that we authors do most of our lying.

My own experience is that once a story has been written, one has to cross out the beginning and the end. It is there that we authors do most of our lying.

Anton Chekhov
The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths.

The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths.

Anton Chekhov
For God's sake, have some self-respect and do not run off at the mouth if your brain is out to lunch.

For God's sake, have some self-respect and do not run off at the mouth if your brain is out to lunch.

Anton Chekhov
To harbor spiteful feelings against ordinary people for not being heroes is possible only for narrow-minded or embittered man.

To harbor spiteful feelings against ordinary people for not being heroes is possible only for narrow-minded or embittered man.

Anton Chekhov
What must human beings be, to destroy what they can never create?

What must human beings be, to destroy what they can never create?

Anton Chekhov
They say, tell me what you've read and I'll tell you who you are.

They say, tell me what you've read and I'll tell you who you are.

Anton Chekhov
He is an emancipated thinker who is not afraid to write foolish things.

He is an emancipated thinker who is not afraid to write foolish things.

Anton Chekhov
There is nothing new in art except talent.

There is nothing new in art except talent.

Anton Chekhov
We all have too many wheels, screws and valves to judge each other on first impressions or one or two pointers. I don't understand you, you don't understand me and we don't understand ourselves.

We all have too many wheels, screws and valves to judge each other on first impressions or one or two pointers. I don't understand you, you don't understand me and we don't understand ourselves.

Anton Chekhov
Oh, dreams! In one night, lying with one's eyes shut, one may sometimes live through more than ten years of happiness.

Oh, dreams! In one night, lying with one's eyes shut, one may sometimes live through more than ten years of happiness.

Anton Chekhov
Desription should be very brief and have an incidental nature.

Desription should be very brief and have an incidental nature.

Anton Chekhov
When you want to touch the reader's heart, try to be colder. It gives their grief as it were, a background, against which it stands out in greater relief.

When you want to touch the reader's heart, try to be colder. It gives their grief as it were, a background, against which it stands out in greater relief.

Anton Chekhov
A naive man is nothing better than a fool. But you women contrive to be naive in such a way that in you it seems sweet, and gentle, and proper, and not as silly as it really is.

A naive man is nothing better than a fool. But you women contrive to be naive in such a way that in you it seems sweet, and gentle, and proper, and not as silly as it really is.

Anton Chekhov
My thoughts about human happiness, for some peculiar reason, had always been tinged with a certain sadness.

My thoughts about human happiness, for some peculiar reason, had always been tinged with a certain sadness.

Anton Chekhov
In displaying the psychology of your characters, minute particulars are essential. God save us from vague generalizations!

In displaying the psychology of your characters, minute particulars are essential. God save us from vague generalizations!" (Letter to Alexander Chekhov, May 10, 1886)

Anton Chekhov
Write about this man who, drop by drop, squeezes the slave's blood out of himself until he wakes one day to find the blood of a real human being--not a slave's--coursing through his veins.

Write about this man who, drop by drop, squeezes the slave's blood out of himself until he wakes one day to find the blood of a real human being--not a slave's--coursing through his veins.

Anton Chekhov
I must run away, I must escape this very day or I shall go out of my mind.

I must run away, I must escape this very day or I shall go out of my mind.

Anton Chekhov
If one wants to lead a good life, A HUMAN LIFE, one must work.

If one wants to lead a good life, A HUMAN LIFE, one must work.

Anton Chekhov
How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult in real life!

How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult in real life!

Anton Chekhov
Anna Petrovna: Never talk to women about your own good qualities. Let them find out for themselves.

Anna Petrovna: Never talk to women about your own good qualities. Let them find out for themselves.

Anton Chekhov
The teacher must be an actor, an artist,passionately in love with his work.

The teacher must be an actor, an artist,passionately in love with his work.

Anton Chekhov
A sweet lie is more gracious for us than a virulent but real truth.

A sweet lie is more gracious for us than a virulent but real truth.

Anton Chekhov
TRIGORIN 
Why do I hear a note of sadness that wrings my heart in this cry of a pure soul? If at any time you should have need of my life, come and take it.

TRIGORIN Why do I hear a note of sadness that wrings my heart in this cry of a pure soul? If at any time you should have need of my life, come and take it.

Anton Chekhov
A woman can only become a man’s friend in three stages: first she’s an agreeable acquaintance, then a mistress and only after that a friend.

A woman can only become a man’s friend in three stages: first she’s an agreeable acquaintance, then a mistress and only after that a friend.

Anton Chekhov
Existence is tedious, anyway.

Existence is tedious, anyway.

Anton Chekhov
We should show life neither as it is, nor as it should be, but as we see it in our dreams.

We should show life neither as it is, nor as it should be, but as we see it in our dreams.

Anton Chekhov
A hungry dog believes in nothing but meat.

A hungry dog believes in nothing but meat.

Anton Chekhov
One hundred years from now, the people who come after us, for whom our lives are showing the way--will they think of us kindly? Will they remember us with a kind word? I wish to God I could think so.

One hundred years from now, the people who come after us, for whom our lives are showing the way--will they think of us kindly? Will they remember us with a kind word? I wish to God I could think so.

Anton Chekhov
Once a man gets a fixed idea, there's nothing to be done.

Once a man gets a fixed idea, there's nothing to be done.

Anton Chekhov
Every coming year is as bad as the previous one, the only difference being that in most cases it is even worse.

Every coming year is as bad as the previous one, the only difference being that in most cases it is even worse.

Anton Chekhov
Men are made for happiness, and anyone who is completely happy has a right to say to himself: “I am doing God’s will on earth.

Men are made for happiness, and anyone who is completely happy has a right to say to himself: “I am doing God’s will on earth.

Anton Chekhov
One should not put a loaded rifle onto the stage if no one is thinking of firing it.

One should not put a loaded rifle onto the stage if no one is thinking of firing it.

Anton Chekhov
Only entropy comes easy.

Only entropy comes easy.

Anton Chekhov
Which executioner is the more humane, he who kills you in a few minutes or he who drags the life out of you in the course of many years

Which executioner is the more humane, he who kills you in a few minutes or he who drags the life out of you in the course of many years

Anton Chekhov
My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, inspiration, love, and absolute freedom--freedom from violence and falsehood, no matter how the last two manifest themselves.

My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, inspiration, love, and absolute freedom--freedom from violence and falsehood, no matter how the last two manifest themselves.

Anton Chekhov
I still lack a political, religious, and philosophical world view. I change it every month, so I'll have to limit myself to the description of how my heroes love, marry, give birth, die, and how they speak.

I still lack a political, religious, and philosophical world view. I change it every month, so I'll have to limit myself to the description of how my heroes love, marry, give birth, die, and how they speak.

Anton Chekhov
I've never been in love. I've dreamt of it day and night, but my heart is like a fine piano no one can play because the key is lost.

I've never been in love. I've dreamt of it day and night, but my heart is like a fine piano no one can play because the key is lost.

Anton Chekhov
It's better to live down a scandal than to ruin one's life.

It's better to live down a scandal than to ruin one's life.

Anton Chekhov
It is always

It is always "Youth, youth," when there is nothing else to be said.

Anton Chekhov
Shabelsky: Doctors are the same as lawyers, the sole difference being that lawyers only rob you, but doctors rob you and kill you too...

Shabelsky: Doctors are the same as lawyers, the sole difference being that lawyers only rob you, but doctors rob you and kill you too...

Anton Chekhov
..One has to be a mindless barbarian to burn such beauty in a stove, to destroy what we can not create..

..One has to be a mindless barbarian to burn such beauty in a stove, to destroy what we can not create..

Anton Chekhov
When a woman is plain, people say, 'What beautiful eyes you have, beautiful hair.

When a woman is plain, people say, 'What beautiful eyes you have, beautiful hair.

Anton Chekhov
It is not only the prisoners who grow coarse and hardened from corporeal punishment, but those as well who perpetrate the act or are present to witness it.

It is not only the prisoners who grow coarse and hardened from corporeal punishment, but those as well who perpetrate the act or are present to witness it.

Anton Chekhov
The life of a man is like a flower, blooming so gaily in a field. Then, along comes a goat, he eats it and the flower is gone!

The life of a man is like a flower, blooming so gaily in a field. Then, along comes a goat, he eats it and the flower is gone!

Anton Chekhov
There is no greater sorrow than to know another's secret when you cannot help them.

There is no greater sorrow than to know another's secret when you cannot help them.

Anton Chekhov
Everything should be first-rate in a person, his face, clothes, soul and thoughts.

Everything should be first-rate in a person, his face, clothes, soul and thoughts.

Anton Chekhov
She had a passionate longing for the garden, the darkness, the pure sky, the stars.

She had a passionate longing for the garden, the darkness, the pure sky, the stars.

Anton Chekhov
I have no will of my own. Never did. Limp and lily-livered, I always obey - is it possible that's attractive to women?

I have no will of my own. Never did. Limp and lily-livered, I always obey - is it possible that's attractive to women?

Anton Chekhov