305 Quotes by Tove Jansson

The lamp sizzled as it burned. It made everything seem close and safe, a little family circle they all knew and trusted. Outside this circle lay everything that was strange and frightening, and the darkness seemed to reach higher and higher and further and further away, right to the end of the world.

But when people understand one another without speaking, it can often leave them with very little to talk about, don’t you think?

She started thinking about all the euphemisms for death, all the anxious taboos that had always fascinated her. It was too bad you could never have an intelligent discussion on the subject. People were either too young or too old, or else they didn't have time.

Oh say, where lies true lasting happiness?In evening rest? In friendly glance? 'Tis more:In sailing from the mire, the reeds, the mast,The mighty ocean's vastness to adore.Oh what is life? 'Tis nothing but a dream,A vast and enigmatic flowing stream.Such tender feelings fill my heaving breastI know not how or where they'll come to rest;My cares are multitudinous and sore,I long to feel the friendly rudder in my paw.

You were talking about the wind," the Fillyjonk said suddenly. "A wind that carries off your washing. But I'm speaking about cyclones. Typhoons, Gaffsie dear. Tornadoes, whirlwinds, sandstorms... Flood waves that carry houses away... But most of all I'm talking about myself and my fears, even if I know that's not done. I know everything will turn out badly. I think about that all the time. Even while I'm washing my carpet. Do you understand that? Do you feel the same way?

Everyone must imagine his own snakes because no one else's snakes can ever be as awful.

The voice of the waves was now mixed with strange sounds; laughter, running feet and the clanging of great bells far out to sea. Snufkin lay still and listened. dreaming and remembering his trip round world. Soon I must set out again, he thought. But not yet.

It looks rather ordinary," said the Snork. "Unless you consider that a top hat is always somewhat extraordinary, of course.

Sophia," she said, "this is really not something to argue about. You can see for yourself that life is hard enough without being punished for it afterwards. We get comfort when we die, that's the whole idea