Ettore Sottsass Quotes

Be patient, calm, compassionate. Know that existence is fleeting.

Decoration can be a state of mind, an unusual perception, a ritual whisper.

It is important to realize that whatever we do or design has iconographic references, it comes from somewhere; any form is always metaphorical, never totally metaphysical; it is never a 'destiny' but always a fact with some kind of historical reference. To put an object on a base means to monumentalize it, to make everyone aware it exists.

I try and be as stupid as possible regarding my profession, which means I try to look at as few design magazines as possible.

My furniture is an exercise in architecture or architectural mood.

If you think you're meeting your destiny on the other side of a door you may not be interested in its design.

...there is no doubt something will be done sooner or later to enable us to put on a house every day, just as we put on clothes or choose a book to read or a theater to go to, like choosing a day to be lived, within the limits grated by other destinies or chances.

I make no special difference between architecture and design, they are two different stages of invention.