Tove Jansson quotes

Tove Jansson was a Finnish-Swedish writer, artist, and illustrator, best known as the creator of the Moomin series of books. Her stories combined whimsy, philosophy, and gentle humor, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. She became an icon of children's literature and creative imagination. Here are 45 of her quotes:

Lie on the bridge and watch the water flowing past. Or run, or wade through the swamp in your red boots. Or roll yourself up and listen to the rain falling on the roof. It's very easy to enjoy yourself.

Tove Jansson

Someone who eats pancakes and jam can't be so awfully dangerous. You can talk to him.

Tove Jansson

A theatre is the most important sort of house in the world, because that's where people are shown what they could be if they wanted, and what they'd like to be if they dared to and what they really are.

Tove Jansson

Maybe my passion is nothing special, but at least it's mine.

Tove Jansson

Making a journey by night is more wonderful than anything in the world.

Tove Jansson

I need to write down my observations. Even the tiniest ones; they're the most important.

Tove Jansson

A person can find anything if he takes the time, that is, if he can afford to look. And while he's looking, he's free, and he finds things he never expected.

Tove Jansson

I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream!

Tove Jansson

I'll have to calm down a bit. Or else I'll burst with happiness.

Tove Jansson

All things are so very uncertain, and that's exactly what makes me feel reassured.

Tove Jansson

It's funny about love', Sophia said. 'The more you love someone, the less he likes you back.' 'That's very true,' Grandmother observed. 'And so what do you do?' 'You go on loving,' said Sophia threateningly. 'You love harder and harder.

Tove Jansson

There's no need to imagine that you're a wondrous beauty, because that's what you are.

Tove Jansson

I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.

Tove Jansson

The hemulen woke up slowly and recognised himself and wished he had been someone he didn't know.

Tove Jansson

Smell is important. It reminds a person of all the things he's been through; it is a sheath of memories and security.

Tove Jansson

It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent-lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that.

Tove Jansson

Gathering is peculiar, because you see nothing but what you're looking for. If you're picking raspberries, you see only what's red, and if you're looking for bones you see only the white. No matter where you go, the only thing you see is bones.

Tove Jansson

The thing about God, she thought, is that He usually does help, but not until you've made an effort on your own.

Tove Jansson

Everything's much too big here,' thought Moominmamma. 'Or perhaps I'm too small.

Tove Jansson

... now and then a giggling trail of mermaids appeared in our wake. We fed them oatmeal.

Tove Jansson

It's only the sea,' said Moomintroll. ‘Every wave that dies on the beach sings a little song to a shell. But you mustn't go inside because it's a labyrinth and you may never come out again.

Tove Jansson

There are those who stay at home and those who go away, and it has always been so. Everyone can choose for himself, but he must choose while there is still time and never change his mind.

Tove Jansson