Quotes by Nikos Kazantzakis

“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.”

“I said to the almond tree, Friend, speak to me of God, and the almond tree blossomed.”

“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.”

“The real meaning of enlightenment is to gaze with undimmed eyes on all darkness.”

“Beauty is merciless. You do not look at it, it looks at you and does not forgive.”

“Everything in this world has a hidden meaning.”

“My entire soul is a cry, and all my work is a commentary on that cry.”

“Every perfect traveler always creates the country where he travels”

“Those who know all, but are lacking in themselves, are utterly lacking.”

“There is only one woman in the world. One woman, with many faces”

“A wise man will be the master of his mind. A fool will be its slave.”

“Let one who has become wealthy reign, and let one who has power renounce”

I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else.

You can knock on a deaf mans door forever.

If a woman sleeps alone it puts a shame on all men. God has a very big heart, but there is one sin He will not forgive. If a woman calls a man to her bed and he will not go.

How simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. . . . All that is required to feel that here and now is happiness is a simple, frugal heart.

Once more I realized to what an extent earthly happiness is made to the measure of man. It is not a rare bird which we must pursue at one moment in heaven, at the next in our minds. Happiness is a domestic bird found in our own courtyards.

Every perfect traveler always creates the country where he travels.

You will, Judas, my brother. God will give you the strength, as much as you lack, because it is necessary—it is necessary for me to be killed and for you to betray me. We two must save the world. Help me.Judas bowed his head. After a moment he asked, If you had to betray your master, would you do it?Jesus reflected for a long time. Finally he said, No, Im afraid I wouldnt be able to. That is why God pitied me and gave me the easier task: to be crucified.

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create theirown.