As a result of half a century of Soviet rule people have been weaned from a belief in human kindness.

"He is gone, but his shadow still stands over all of us. It still dictates to us and we, very often, obey."

"Moscow, breathing fire like a human volcano with its smouldering lava of passion, ambition and politics, its hurly-burly of meetings and entertainment. . . . Moscow seethes and bubbles and gasps for air. It's always thirsting for something new . . ."

"It is human nature that rules the world, not governments and regimes."

God grants an easy death only to the just.