I here ask pardon of all my compatriots for everything of which I have been guilty towards them. I know that, by my ill-considered and immature works, I have brought distress to many and that I have even provoked others to attack me openly and, in general, have produced displeasure in many.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a heartfelt apology and acknowledgment of one's wrongdoings that have harmed others.
In this quote, Nikolai Gogol reflects on the impact of his actions on his fellow compatriots, taking responsibility for the distress and displeasure he has caused. This introspective admission of guilt reveals a deep understanding of the consequences of one's actions and the desire for reconciliation, emphasizing the significance of accountability in relationships within society.
In practice
During a public speech, one might quote Gogol to emphasize the importance of acknowledging past mistakes.
At the end of the table, the secretary was reading the decision in some case, but in such a mournful and monotonous voice, that the condemned man himself would have fallen asleep while listening to it. The judge, no doubt, would have been the first of all to do so, had he not entered into an engrossing conversation while it was going on.
You can't imagine how stupid the whole world has grown nowadays.
Two turtle doves will show thee Where my cold ashes lie And sadly murmuring tell thee How in tears I did die
Nothing could be more pleasant than to live in solitude, enjoy the spectacle of nature, and occasionally read some book.
If you have not first pondered the entire situation of the man whom you wish to help, and if you have not brought with you instructions for him to follow henceforth in leading his life, he will not receive great good from your help.
There are certain words which are nearer and dearer to a man than any others.
There is no absolute knowledge. And those who claim it, whether they are scientists or dogmatists, open the door to tragedy.
We do ourselves the most good doing something for others.
The purpose of prayer is emphatically not to bend God's will to ours, but rather to align our will to his.
Who is there that can adequately gauge the greatness of the humility, gentleness, self-surrender, revealed by the Lord of majesty in assuming human nature, in accepting the punishment of death, the shame of the cross?
You are always in the process of creating. Every moment, every minute, every day. You are a big creation machine and you are turning out a new manifestation literally as fast as you can think.
Whenever two particles come together, they are held by a certain attraction; and there will come a time when those particles will separate. This is the eternal law. So, wherever there is a body - either grosser or finer, either in heaven or on earth - death will overcome it.
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