Tove Jansson Quotes

It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that.

Storms probably exist only because after them we can have a sunrise.

I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.

Maybe my passion is nothing special, but at least it's mine.

A person can find anything if he takes the time, that is, if he can afford to look. And while he's looking, he's free, and he finds things he never expected.

There's no need to imagine that you're a wondrous beauty, because that's what you are.

All things are so very uncertain, and that's exactly what makes me feel reassured.

One has to discover everything for oneself. And get over it all alone.

Lie on the bridge and watch the water flowing past. Or run, or wade through the swamp in your red boots. Or roll yourself up and listen to the rain falling on the roof. It's very easy to enjoy yourself.

You must go on a long journey before you can really find out how wonderful home is.

You can't ever be really free if you admire somebody too much.

My bag was as light as my happy-go-lucky heart.

There are those who stay at home and those who go away, and it has always been so. Everyone can choose for himself, but he must choose while there is still time and never change his mind.

I want your first trip to be with me. I want to show you cities and landscapes and teach you how to look at things in new ways and how to get along in places you don't already know inside out. I want to put some life in you.

Most of the people are homesick anyway, and a little lonely, and they hide themselves in their hair and are turned into flowers.

One summer morning at sunrise a long time ago I met a little girl with a book under her arm. I asked her why she was out so early and she answered that there were too many books and far too little time. And there she was absolutely right.

A theatre is the most important sort of house in the world, because that's where people are shown what they could be if they wanted, and what they'd like to be if they dared to and what they really are

You can't always be friendly. It's impossible, there isn't the time.

Some people just shouldn't be disturbed in their inclinations, whether large or small. A reminder can instantly turn enthusiasm into aversion and spoil everything.

The thing about God, she thought, is that He usually does help, but not until you've made an effort on your own.

‎''Just think, never to be glad or disappointed. Never to like anyone and get cross at him and forgive him. Never to sleep or feel cold, never to make a mistake and have a stomach-ache and be cured from it, never to have a birthday party, drink beer, and have a bad conscience... How terrible.

It’s only the sea,’ said Moomintroll. ‘Every wave that dies on the beach sings a little song to a shell. But you mustn’t go inside because it’s a labyrinth and you may never come out again.

Someone who eats pancakes and jam can't be so awfully dangerous. You can talk to him.

I need to write down my observations. Even the tiniest ones; they're the most important.

Dogs are mute and obedient, but they have watched us and know us and can smell how pitiful we are.