We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.

Obviously, you would give your life for your children, or give them the last biscuit on the plate. But to me, the trick in life is to take that sense of generosity between kin, make it apply to the extended family and to your neighbour, your village and beyond.

I'm offended by things and take pathetic little stands against them.

Life is a gamble, at terrible odds - if it was a bet you wouldn't take it.

Very often in Chekhov, where he exhibits a little bit of human behavior that you recognize as true, you give a little laugh. It's like a reflex.

The advice I would give to someone is to not take anyone's advice.