Woe to that nation whose literature is cut short by the intrusion of force. This is not merely interference with freedom of the press but the sealing up of a nations heart, the excision of its memory. – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
You only have power over people so long as you dont take everything away from them. But when youve robbed a man of everything, hes no longer in your power – hes free again. – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Own only what you can always carry with you: know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag. – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
It is the artist who realizes that there is a supreme force above him and works gladly away as a small apprentice under Gods heaven. – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The best thing that ever happened to me is that nothing happened in writing. I ended up working for engineering companies, and thats where I found my material, in the everyday struggle between capitalism and grace. Being broke and tired, you dont come home your best self. – George Saunders