In reality, we also are fallen folks, and, so far as I can see, very deeply fallen into the abyss of self-sufficiency and the conviction of our own superiority. But enough of this. It is all as old as the hills–so old that it is a shame to speak of it. Very old indeed–yes, that’s what it is!

Ahh, Maksim Gorky, Maxim Gorky, Maksim Gor’kii, Maxim Gorkii, Maksim Gorki, he’ll always be Aleksei Peshkov to me.