The most interesting letters I received about 'The Name of the Rose' were from people in the Midwest that maybe didn't understand exactly, but wanted to understand more and who were excited by this picture of a world which was not their own.

A sure sign of a lunatic is that sooner or later, he brings up the Templars.

I think a book should be judged 10 years later, after reading and re-reading it.

Media populism means appealing to people directly through media. A politician who can master the media can shape political affairs outside of parliament and even eliminate the mediation of parliament.

The poets did not win; the philosophers surrendered.

The followers must feel besieged.

There are more people than you think who want to have a challenging experience, in which they are obliged to reflect about the past.