When I'm writing a book I prefer not to speak about it, because only when the book is finished can I try to understand what I've really done and to compare my intentions with the result.
Italo CalvinoWhether there is such a thing as Reality, of which the various levels are only partial aspects, or whether there are only levels, is something that literature cannot decide. Literature recognizes rather the *reality of the levels.*
Italo CalvinoWho are we, who is each one of us, if not a combinatoria of experiences, information, books we have read, things imagined?
Italo CalvinoWe could say, then, that man is an instrument the world employs to renew its own image constantly.
Italo CalvinoSomething must always remain that eludes us ... For power to have an object on which it can be exercised, a space in which to stretch out its arms ... As long as I know there exists in the world someone who does tricks only for the love of the trick, as long as I know there is a woman who loves reading for reading's sake, I can convince myself that the world continues ... And every evening I, too, abandon myself to reading, like that distant unknown woman.
Italo Calvino