Quotes by Ivo Andrić

One shouldnt be afraid of the humans. Well, I am not afraid of the humans, but of what is inhuman in them.

If people would know how little brain is ruling the world, they would die of fear.

The desire for sudden change and the thought of their realization by force often appears among men like a disease and gains ground mainly in young brains; only these brains do not think as they should, do not amount to anything in the end and the heads that think thus do not remain long on their shoulders. For it is not human desires that dispose and administer the things of this world. Desire is like a wind, it sifts the dust from one place to another, sometimes darkens the whole horizon, but in the end calms down and leaves the old and eternal picture of the world. Lasting deeds are realized on this earth only by God’s will, and man is only His humble and blind tool.

Whenever a government feels the need of promising peace and prosperity to its citizens by means of a proclamation, it is time to be on guard and expect the opposite.

...every woman has some reason to weep and weeping is sweetest when it is for anothers sorrow.

I dont plan anything any more. I just live my life.

Every human generation has its own illusions with regard to civilization; some believe they are taking part in its upsurge, others that they are witnesses of its extinction. In fact, it always both flames and smolders and is extinguished, according to the place and the angle of view.

Lands of great discoveries are also lands of great injustices.