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There should be more sincerity and heart in human relations, more silence and simplicity in our interactions. Be rude when you’re angry, laugh when something is funny, and answer when you’re asked.

— Anton Chekhov

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Honesty

More quotes by Anton Chekhov

People should be beautiful in every way—in their faces, in the way they dress, in their thoughts and in their innermost selves.

Uncle Vanya (1897)

It’s not a matter of old or new forms; a person writes without thinking about any forms, he writes because it flows freely from his soul.

The Seagull (1896)

A woman can only become a man’s friend in three stages: first, she’s an agreeable acquaintance, then a mistress, and only after that a friend.

Uncle Vanya (1897)

How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how hard it is in life!

The Seagull (1896)

You ask “What is life?” That is the same as asking “What is a carrot?” A carrot is a carrot and we know nothing more.

All Anton Chekhov quotes →

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You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can't lead to a good conclusion.

Julian Assange

False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.

Socrates

It is better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be stupid and speak lies.

Solomon

Who dares think one thing, and another tell,
My heart detests him as the gates of hell.

Homer Iliad (-750)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Anton Chekhov (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.