Kozma Prutkov (Козьма Петрович Прутков) is a fictional author invented by Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy and three Zhemchuzhnikov brothers - Alexei, Vladimir and Alexander during the later part of Nicholas I reign.
Most famouse quotes:
"Behold into the root"
"Throwing pebbles into the water, look at the ripples they form on the surface, otherwise, such occupation becomes an idle pastime."
"Where is the beginning of the end that comes at the end of the beginning?"
"If you have a fountain, shut it up. Let even a fountain have a rest."
"If ever asked: What's more useful, the sun or the moon, respond: The moon. For the sun only shines during daytime, when it's light anyway, whereas the Moon shines at night."
"One can not embrace unembraceable."
"Be vigilant!"
"Wanna be handsome - join hussars."
"When on an elephant cage you see a sign "bison" - do not trust your eyes."
I will try to come up with observations of my own as well.