Boris Yeltsin

Russia also declared its independence. This was approved by the Supreme Soviet, and you know and remember that there was the Declaration on the Independence of Russia.

There were no strategic mistakes that could affect Russia’s history and it further development. No, there were no such mistakes. Tactical errors were made in some less significant options, problems and so on. But, on the whole, Russia embarked on a correct path and it changed.

I refer to calls for humanitarian intervention in the affairs of another state – a new idea, this – even when they are made under the pretext of defending human rights and freedoms.

You can build a throne of bayonets, but you can’t sit on it for long.

I understand that it’s hard for everyone, but one cannot give in to emotions… we’ll have to draw lessons from the current crisis and now we’ll have to work on overcoming it.

You have no right to criticise Russia over Chechnya.

If you can find a way to be truly ambivalent about what people think about you as an artist you’re completely freed up because you just end up doing things that turn you on creatively, and then as a person you really try and drown the noise.

You cannot settle the problems of Europe by long-distance telephone calls and telegrams. Round the table we must get!

You don’t need a rope to pinch a stranger’s butt.

If it were true that men could achieve their good by means of turning some men into sacrificial animals, and … if I were asked to serve the interests of society apart from, above and against my own I would refuse….I would fight in the full confidence of the justice of my battle and of a living being’s right to exist.

There are four things every person has more of than they know; sins, debt, years, and foes.

People have to talk about something just to keep their voice boxes in working order so they’ll have good voice boxes in case there’s ever anything really meaningful to say.

I like to surprise myself.

You’re only lonely if you’re not there for you.

I don’t want your punk ass man, I’m too tough

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.

The less you know, the more you believe.

My Grandmother is over eighty and still doesn’t need glasses. Drinks right out of the bottle.

Freedom of speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying stupid shit

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.

Since the past is unreal and the future is unreal, all your thoughts are about nothing.