“Every word is an adamantine shell which encloses a great explosive force.”

— Nikos Kazantzakis, Report to Greco, 1965, "Massacre", Ch. 10, p. 88

About Nikos Kazantzakis

1883 – 1957

Greek writer, author of "Zorba the Greek".

“All that is required to feel that here and now is happiness is a simple, frugal heart.”

“God, what is all this talk put out by the popes? Paradise is here, my good man. God, give me no other paradise!”

“I said to the almond tree: "Speak to me of God." And the almond tree blossomed.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”