Anton Chekhov, the renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer, is celebrated for his keen insight into the human condition. Born in 1860, Chekhov’s literary legacy transcends time, capturing the complexities of life with profound simplicity. His works often delve into themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships, offering a mirror to society’s virtues and flaws. Through his poignant narratives and memorable characters, Chekhov earned a place among the most influential figures in world literature.
Chekhov’s quotes, imbued with wisdom and wit, encapsulate the essence of his literary genius. Whether offering astute observations on human nature or delving into the depths of existential contemplation, his words resonate with readers across generations. From the profound to the humorous, Chekhov’s insights continue to inspire and provoke thought. Explore below for a collection of Anton Chekhov quotes that are sure to captivate, enlighten, and stir the soul.
If you are afraid of loneliness, do not marry. Anton Chekhov
I promise to be an excellent husband, but give me a wife who, like the moon, will not appear every day in my sky. Anton Chekhov
No psychologist should pretend to understand what he does not understand… Only fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing. Anton Chekhov
Medicine is my lawful wife and literature my mistress; when I get tired of one, I spend the night with the other. Anton Chekhov
Advertising is the very essence of democracy. Anton Chekhov
A writer is not a confectioner, a cosmetic dealer, or an entertainer. Anton Chekhov
A good upbringing means not that you won’t spill sauce on the tablecloth, but that you won’t notice it when someone else does. Anton Chekhov
Love, friendship and respect do not unite people as much as a common hatred for something. Anton Chekhov
The University brings out all abilities, including incapability. Anton Chekhov
Man is what he believes. Anton Chekhov
Life does not agree with philosophy: There is no happiness that is not idleness, and only what is useless is pleasurable. Anton Chekhov
The thirst for powerful sensations takes the upper hand both over fear and over compassion for the grief of others. Anton Chekhov
People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. Anton Chekhov
Any idiot can face a crisis – it’s day to day living that wears you out. Anton Chekhov
A fiance is neither this nor that: he’s left one shore, but not yet reached the other. Anton Chekhov
We shall find peace. We shall hear angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds. Anton Chekhov
The wealthy are always surrounded by hangers-on; science and art are as well. Anton Chekhov
Faith is an aptitude of the spirit. It is, in fact, a talent: you must be born with it. Anton Chekhov
Money, like vodka, turns a person into an eccentric. Anton Chekhov
All of life and human relations have become so incomprehensibly complex that, when you think about it, it becomes terrifying and your heart stands still. Anton Chekhov
When you’re thirsty and it seems that you could drink the entire ocean, that’s faith; when you start to drink and finish only a glass or two, that’s science. Anton Chekhov
You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible. Anton Chekhov
To judge between good or bad, between successful and unsuccessful would take the eye of a God. Anton Chekhov
Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice. Anton Chekhov
When a lot of remedies are suggested for a disease, that means it can’t be cured. Anton Chekhov
There is nothing new in art except talent. Anton Chekhov
We learn about life not from plusses alone, but from minuses as well. Anton Chekhov
No matter how corrupt and unjust a convict may be, he loves fairness more than anything else. If the people placed over him are unfair, from year to year he lapses into an embittered state characterized by an extreme lack of faith. 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
Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. Anton Chekhov
To advise is not to compel. Anton Chekhov
Only entropy comes easy. Anton Chekhov
The world perishes not from bandits and fires, but from hatred, hostility, and all these petty squabbles. Anton Chekhov
How unbearable at times are people who are happy, people for whom everything works out. 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. Anton Chekhov
One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake. Anton Chekhov
People who lead a lonely existence always have something on their minds that they are eager to talk about. Anton Chekhov
Passion must be concealed in a society where cold reserve and indifference are the signs of good breeding. Anton Chekhov
Reason and justice tell me there’s more love for humanity in electricity and steam than in chastity and vegetarianism. Anton Chekhov
When a woman isn’t beautiful, people always say, ‘You have lovely eyes, you have lovely hair.’ Anton Chekhov
The more refined one is, the more unhappy. Anton Chekhov
The sea has neither meaning nor pity. Anton Chekhov
If you cry ‘forward’, you must without fail make plain in what direction to go. Anton Chekhov
When an actor has money he doesn’t send letters, he sends telegrams. Anton Chekhov
It’s easier to write about Socrates than about a young woman or a cook. Anton Chekhov
