Brandon Strain

“So you say faith is not enough for you and you want knowledge, too. But knowledge does not involve spiritual effort; knowledge is obvious. Faith assumes effort. Knowledge is repose and faith is motion.”
― Eugene Vodolazkin, Laurus

“I want only to know the general direction of the journey, said Arseny. The part that concerns me and Ustina. But is not Christ a general direction? asked the elder. What other kind of direction do you seek? And how do you even understand the journey anyway? As the vast expanses you left behind? You made it to Jerusalem with your questions, though you could have asked them from the Kirillov Monastery. I am not saying wandering is useless: there is a point to it. Do not become like your beloved Alexander who had a journey but had no goal. And do not be enamored of excessive horizontal motion. Then what should I be enamored of? asked Arseny. Vertical motion, answered the elder, pointing above. In the center of the church’s cupola there gaped a round, black opening reserved for the sky and stars. Stars were visible but they were fading from sight. Arseny understood day was breaking.”
― Eugene Vodolazkin, Laurus

“One man’s sin is not an appropriate topic for another man’s conversation.”
― Penelope Wilcock, The Hawk and the Dove

“The elixir of immortality is in there and there is enough for everyone.”
― Eugene Vodolazkin, Laurus