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Quote by Italo Calvino

“Every time I bite my tongue,' Mr Palomar concludes mentally, 'I must think not only of what I am about to say or not say, but also of everything that, whether I say it or do not say it, will be said or not said by me or by others.' Having formulated this thought, he bites his tongue and remains silent.”

Quote by Italo Calvino

Book:Mr Palomar
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Mr Palomar

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Author

Italo Calvino
Italo Calvino

Italian writer and journalist, known for his unique narrative style and rich imagination. Calvino is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, whose works have had a profound impact on literature both in Italy and around the world. more

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“In the context of conflict resolution, wu wei encourages us to approach disagreements with a sense of controlled (but not controlling) detachment. Instead of imposing our will or trying to micromanage the outcome, we learn to flow with the present moment and allow the situation to resolve itself naturally. This doesn’t mean being passive or indifferent. The practice of wu wei … is about finding a delicate balance between action and inaction. We speak our truth when necessary, but we also recognize when silence is the more prudent and persuasive course of action.”

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“Meditation brings a revolution of our innermost being. As we go deeper into the silence of our inner being, desires disappears. Desires exists only on the surface of our consciousness. They are like waves existing on the surface of our consciousness. When you dive deeper into the ocean of our consciousness there are no waves. Then you can come back to the surface of our consciousness, but you cannot lose contact with the center of our inner being. Then you can remain in the world, in the marketplace, and yet remain in tremendous silence. One can be in the crowd, and yet be absolutely alone. One can act with love, silence, joy, truth, freedom and creativity, but without any tension. This is the most fundamental thing for a meditator to be in the world, and yet to not be of it. It is to be in the world, but not allow the world to be in you. Then the whole world becomes a stage, and all relationships become a great drama. Then the meditator becomes the center of the cyclone.”

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“Meditation brings all that is really valuable in life. Meditation brings love, silence, joy, truth, freedom and godliness. It makes your heart dance. It makes your being full of song. The meditastor takes life playfully. And if you are not serious then there is never any frustration. If you succeed, good. If you fail, good. Neither failure brings misery, nor success brings euphoria. One takes both things with a deep equanimity. One remains undisturbed by success or failure, love or aloneness and joy or sadness. One remains centred and grounded in oneself. Meditation makes you the center of the cyclone. Life comes and goes, and the meditator remains unaffected. Even death becomes a drama. The meditator enjoys both life and death. Meditation is the greatest gift to humanity from God.  Meditation gives your mastery over the inner world, which is always higher than the outer world. Life without meditation makes you unaware of yourself.”

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“And you don't give a damn for Israel's welfare—admit it! You don't give a damn about their security—go on, admit it! All that matters to you is your scoop, and the boss's congratulations, and if that piece brought you a Pulitzer Prize you jump for joy, and if Israel had to suffer for it, what the hell! Do I overstate the case?” “Yes, you overstate the case, damn right you overstate it! I love my work. I love it passionately, And not because of the rewards but because it's my weapon! I like to think that because of me men and women will be a little happier and their lives a little easier.” “You worry about everybody in the world except your own brothers and sisters in Israel!” “That's a lie!” “Then prove it!” “How do you want me to prove it? By concealing what happens there? By accepting Injustice there and passing over it in silence?” “And the injustices perpetrated against Israel? You don't care about them? The terrorist raids? The assassination of children? The murder of innocent civilians? “The paper we work for talks about them all the time, and often on the front page. Don't you think the Palestinians’ fate deserves a little attention too?” “Ah, there it is—finally admitting it's the Palestinians you care about.” “No. It's the truth I care about. And I love Israel as much as you do.” “But you're prepared to do them harm and put them at risk.” “No! I'm prepared to keep them from doing harm to themselves!” “Oh, magnificent, Tamar! You're going to help Israel in spite of itself! Bravo!”

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“I know: even the most eminent doctors are sometimes wrong. I sometimes wonder if the diagnosis is correct. I wonder if my father is suffering from amnesia or some other disease. He may know everything that's happening to him, everything said in his presence, everything going on around him and within him, and he may want to react, to respond, but he may be incapable of it. Or he may not want to. He may be disappointed in mankind. And in its language. He may reject our worn and devalued words. He may need others altogether. And as there are no others, he may be choosing to feign forgetfulness so that he can remain speechless.”

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