A human being becomes human not through the casual convergence of certain biological conditions, but through an act of will and love on the part of other people. Italo Calvino actbiologicalcasual Change image and share on social
Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world. Italo Calvino allybordercountry Change image and share on social
What is modern art but the attempt to pinpoint vague, incorporeal, inexpressible sensations? What is modern art, I would add, but the most solemn pile of nonsense that ever appeared on Earth? Italo Calvino addappearart Change image and share on social
For the critic, the author does not exist; only a certain number of writings exist. Italo Calvino authorcriticexist Change image and share on social
I am more and more convinced that literature is made up of works, genres, schools, discussions, problems, collective work in order to solve certain problems. Italo Calvino collectiveconvincediscussion Change image and share on social
Traveling, you realize that differences are lost: each city takes to resembling all cities, places exchange their form, order, distances, a shapeless dust cloud invades the continents. Italo Calvino citycloudcontinent Change image and share on social
I write by hand, making many, many corrections. I would say I cross out more than I write. I have to hunt for words when I speak, and I have the same difficulty when writing. Italo Calvino correctioncrossdifficulty Change image and share on social
Although I am small, ugly and dirty, I am highly ambitious, and at the slightest flattery, I immediately start to strut like a turkey. Italo Calvino ambitiousdirtyflattery Change image and share on social
In 'Cosmicomics,' I came close to science fiction - I was inspired by cosmological subjects and the workings of the universe and invented a character who was a sort of witness to everything that was happening inside the solar system. Italo Calvino characterclosecosmicomics share on social
Of course, I'm of the generation that grew up with Hemingway and Faulkner as strong influences. Italo Calvino faulknergenerationgrow Change image and share on social