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Ivan Krylov

Ivan Krylov was a prominent Russian fabulist and poet, renowned for his fables that often featured animals as characters to convey moral lessons. Born into a noble family, Krylov faced financial difficulties early in life, which led him to pursue a career in literature. His works, characterized by sharp wit and keen observation of human nature, gained popularity in the early 19th century. Krylov's fables, such as 'The Wolf and the Lamb' and 'The Crow and the Fox,' not only entertained but also critiqued societal norms and human folly, making them enduring pieces of Russian literature. Krylov's significance lies in his ability to blend humor with moral instruction, influencing both Russian literature and the broader tradition of fable writing. His fables were among the first to be written in Russian, helping to establish a national literary voice. Krylov's legacy is evident in the continued relevance of his fables, which have been adapted into various forms, including theater and children's literature, ensuring that his insights into human behavior remain accessible to future generations.

Famous Quotes

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“When partners can’t agreeTheir dealings come to naughtAnd trouble is their labor’s only fruit.Once Crawfish, Swan and PikeSet out to pull a loaded cart,And all together settled in the traces;They pulled with all their might, but still the cart refused to budge!The load it seemed was not too much for them:Yet Crawfish scrambled backwards,Swan strained up skywards, Pike pulled toward the sea.Who’s guilty here and who is right is not for us to say –But anyway the cart’s still there today.””

“It is only when our consciences become tangled that the truth begins to hurt.””

“We are the Roots of the tree on which you flourish. Go on rejoicing in your beauty! But remember there is this difference between us that with every autumn the old Leaves die, and with every spring new Leaves are born; but if the Roots once perish neither you nor the tree can live at all.””

“When partners can’t agreeTheir dealings come to naughtAnd trouble is their labor’s only fruit.Once Crawfish, Swan and PikeSet out to pull a loaded cart,And all together settled in the traces;They pulled with all their might, but still the cart refused to budge!The load it seemed was not too much for them:Yet Crawfish scrambled backwards,Swan strained up skywards, Pike pulled toward the sea.Who’s guilty here and who is right is not for us to say –But anyway the cart’s still there today.””

“It is only when our consciences become tangled that the truth begins to hurt.””

“We are the Roots of the tree on which you flourish. Go on rejoicing in your beauty! But remember there is this difference between us that with every autumn the old Leaves die, and with every spring new Leaves are born; but if the Roots once perish neither you nor the tree can live at all.””

Audiobooks from the author

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Kriloff's Fables

Kriloff's Fables

Ivan Krylov

2h 59m