Roberto Calasso's survey of the renewed interest in myth demonstrates how decisive the gods' influence was on modern literature. Calasso is not only immensely learned; he is one of the most original thinkers and writers we have today.

The poem I want to write is impossible. A stone that floats.

The ambition of much of today's literary theory seems to be to find ways to read literature without imagination.

If I believe in anything, it is in the dark night of the soul. Awe is my religion, and mystery is its church.

The stars know everything, So we try to read their minds. As distant as they are, We choose to whisper in their presence.

If the sky falls they shall have clouds for supper.

There’s no preparation for poetry.