Ivan Goncharov quotes

Ivan Goncharov was a Russian novelist and critic renowned for his works exploring Russian society and the psyche. His most famous novel, "Oblomov," gave rise to the term "Oblomovism," describing passive inertia and apathy. He influenced generations of writers and remains a significant figure in Russian literature. Here are 3 of his quotes:

When you don't know what you're living for, you don't care how you live from one day to the next. You're happy the day has passed and the night has come, and in your sleep you bury the tedious question of what you lived for that day and what you're going to live for tomorrow. (Ivan Goncharov)

[Oblomov:] "Picture a thief or a fallen woman or a cheated fool, if you like, but do not forget the rest of mankind. What about humanity, pray? Writers like yourself try to write only with the head. What? Do you suppose the intellect can work separately from the heart? Why, the intellect needs love to fertilize it. Rather, stretch out your hand to the fallen and raise him, weep over him if he is lost beyond recall, but in no case make sport of him, for he is one to whom there should be extended only compassion. See in him yourself, and act accordingly. That done, I will read you, and bow my head before you."

Ivan Goncharov

To this day the Russian, though surrounded by a stern, unimaginative world of reality, loves to believe the seductive tales of antiquity. And long will it be before he will have been weaned from that belief.

Ivan Goncharov