Mikhail Gorbachev

If people don’t like Marxism, they should blame the British Museum.

I believe in the cosmos. All of us are linked to the cosmos. So nature is my god. To me, nature is sacred. Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals. Being at one with nature.

Political leaders still think things can be done through force, but that cannot solve terrorism. Backwardness is the breeding ground of terror, and that is what we have to fight.

More socialism means more democracy, openness and collectivism in everyday life.

The world will not accept dictatorship or domination.

I grew up in a family of peasants, and it was there that I saw the way that, for example, our wheat fields suffered as a result of dust storms, water erosion and wind erosion; I saw the effect of that on life – on human life.

I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now? Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.

God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.

Before enlightnment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightnment, chop wood, carry water.

What you possess, you lose.

A cult is a religion with no political power.

The Christian ethic played an essential part in my upbringing.

If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.

I have a habit of running from the things I’ve prayed for and then asking God to send them again.

I’m an atheist and I thank God for it.

I have too much respect for the idea of God to make it responsible for such an absurd world.

Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.

Christianity is the highest perfection of humanity.

I’m a good Muslim and I’m only interested in Islam.

In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking, are reflecting its light.

Our whole spiritual transformation brings us to the point where we realize in our own being, we are enough.