Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) - Alexei Maximovich Peschov was a Russian author, political activist and founder of socialist realism in literature. He began using his pseudonym whilst working for a newspaper; the literal translation of Gorky meant 'bitter' and was chosen in order to convey his anger about life in Russia - he wished to speak the bitter truth. He publicly opposed the Tsarist regime and was arrested many times. Gorky befriended revolutionaries and became Lenin's personal friend after they met in 1902. He was also associated with eminent Russian writers - Tolstoy and Chekhov.
“Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.”