"As I watched the seagulls, I thought, That's the road to take; find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust."
Nikos Kazantzakis
Novelist, Playwright
Nikos Kazantzakis was a Greek writer and philosopher known for his exploration of existential themes in works like 'Zorba the Greek' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ'.
- Born
- February 18, 1883
- Died
- July 26, 1957
- Quotes
- 164
- Rank
- #527
About Nikos Kazantzakis
Nikos Kazantzakis — Life and Legacy
Nikos Kazantzakis, a prominent Greek writer and philosopher, is best known for his profound exploration of existential themes and the human condition. His works, such as 'Zorba the Greek' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ', delve into the complexities of freedom, existence, and the struggle for meaning. Kazantzakis's philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea that life is a constant battle against despair and the search for authenticity. One of his notable quotes, 'I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free,' illustrates his belief that true liberation comes from confronting life's uncertainties without the burdens of hope or fear. This perspective challenges traditional views of freedom, emphasizing that it is not merely the absence of constraints but a deeper, existential state of being. Kazantzakis's reflections on freedom resonate with readers today, as they invite contemplation on personal responsibility and the nature of existence. His ability to articulate the tension between human desires and the chaotic nature of life continues to influence and inspire those grappling with similar existential questions.
Quote collection
Nikos Kazantzakis quotes (page 1 of 9)
164 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired."
"I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."
"What is love? It is not simply compassion, not simply kindness. In compassion there are two: the one who suffers and the one who feels compassion. In kindness there are two: the one who gives and the one who receives. But in love there is only one; the two join, unite, become inseparable. The I and the you vanish. To love means to lose oneself in the beloved."
"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 their own."
"Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality."
"The only thing I know is this: I am full of wounds and still standing on my feet."
"My soul comes from better worlds and I have an incurable homesickness of the stars."
"God changes appearances every second. Blessed is the man who can recognize him in all his disguises. One moment he is a glass of fresh water, the next, your son bouncing on your knees or an enchanting woman, or perhaps merely a morning walk."
"You have your brush, you have your colors, you paint the paradise, then in you go."
"In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can."
"I said to the almond tree, 'Sister, speak to me of God.' And the almond tree blossomed."
"A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free."
"I was happy, I knew that. While experiencing happiness, we have difficulty in being conscious of it. Only when the happiness is past and we look back on it do we suddenly realize - sometimes with astonishment - how happy we had been."
"The landscape affects the human psyche - the soul, the body and the innermost contemplations - like music. Every time you feel nature deeper you resonate better with her, finding new elements of balance and freedom."
"No! No! Never acknowledge the limitations of man. Smash all boundaries! Deny whatever your eyes see. Die every moment, but say: Death does not exist.'"
"Go as far as you can. Go further than you can!"
"I am a weak, ephemeral creature made of mud and dream. But I feel all the powers of the universe whirling within me."
"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."
"The only way to save yourself is to endeavor to save others."