5 Best Leon Tolstoi Quotes

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

The opening line of the novel, setting the stage for its exploration of familial and romantic unhappiness.

“He was not only a good man, but a good husband, and he had never been unfaithful to his wife.”

Describing Alexei Karenin, highlighting his conventional virtues and the stark contrast with Anna's later actions.

“If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.”

A reflection on human nature and the pursuit of an ideal, often spoken by characters grappling with their own imperfections.

“Love. The word was so often repeated that it had lost all meaning for him.”

Vronsky's internal thought as his relationship with Anna becomes increasingly strained and less fulfilling.

“It's not that I don't love you, but I'm not in love with you.”

A sentiment expressed in various forms throughout the novel, reflecting the distinction between different kinds of love and affection.