“To fall in the void as I fell: none of you knows what that means… I went down into the void, to the most absolute bottom conceivable, and once there I saw that the extreme limit must have been much, much farther below, very remote, and I went on falling, to reach it.”
Explore This Quote Further
Example of Usage
Calvino's quote beautifully captures the feeling of infinite descent and unknown depths in the abyss. The imagery of falling endlessly into the void conveys a sense of profound isolation and helplessness.
Analysis of Quote by Italo Calvino
In this quote, Italo Calvino uses vivid imagery to describe a feeling of falling endlessly into the void. The repetition of the word "falling" emphasizes the sense of never-ending descent and the uncertainty of reaching the bottom. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the unknown depths of human experience or the uncharted territories of the human psyche. Calvino's use of language creates a sense of unease and mystery, leaving the reader to contemplate the possibilities of what lies beyond the known limits.
Exploring the Depths of Existence
Calvino's words capture the experience of falling into the unknown, of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits in order to discover new depths. In today's fast-paced and constantly changing world, this quote serves as a reminder to embrace challenges and keep pushing beyond our comfort zones. Just when we think we have reached our limits, there is always more to explore, more to learn, and more to experience. It encourages us to continue seeking growth and pushing ourselves to the absolute bottom conceivable, knowing that there is always more to discover beyond that point.
Reflection Questions:
When considering Italo Calvino's quote about falling into the void and continuously searching for the absolute bottom, it prompts us to reflect on our own experiences and perceptions of challenging moments in life. Here are some questions to ponder:
Have you ever felt like you were free falling or plunging into the unknown in a particular situation or period of your life?
How did you navigate through this feeling of descent and uncertainty? What coping mechanisms or support systems did you rely on?
In what ways did you discover new perspectives or insights about yourself or the world around you as you delved deeper into the void?
Are there moments when you felt like you had hit rock bottom but later realized there was still further to fall, urging you to push beyond your perceived limits?
How did this experience of continuously falling into the void shape your resilience, creativity, or understanding of the endless possibilities that exist beyond your comfort zone?
Similar quotes
“Perhaps it is this story that is a bridge over the void, and as it advances it flings forward news and sensations and emotions to create a ground of upsets both collective and individual in the midst of which a path can be opened while we remain in the dark about many circumstances both historical and geographical. I clear my path through the wealth of details that cover the void I do not want to notice and I advance impetuously...”
“To fly is the opposite of traveling: you cross a gap in space, you vanish into the void, you accept not being in a place for a duration that is itself a kind of void in time; then you reappear, in a place and in a moment with no relation to the where and when in which you vanished.”
“If you choose to believe me, good. Now I will tell you how Octavia, the spider-web city, is made. There is a precipice between two steep mountains: the city is over the void, bound to the two crests with ropes and chains and catwalks. You walk on the little wooden ties, careful not to set your foot in the open spaces, or you cling to the hempen strands. Below there is nothing for hundreds and hundreds of feet: a few clouds glide past; farther down you can glimpse the chasm's bed.This is the foundation of the city: a net which serves as passage and as support. All the rest, instead of rising up, is hung below: rope ladders, hammocks, houses made like sacks, clothes hangers, terraces like gondolas, skins of water, gas jets, spits, baskets on strings, dumb-waiters, showers, trapezes and rings for children's games, cable cars, chandeliers, pots with trailing plants.Suspended over the abyss, the life of Octavia's inhabitants is less uncertain than in other cities. They know the net will only last so long.”
“I ask you to come down to earth," said the Baron in a calm, rather faint voice, "and to take up the duties of your station!""I have no intention of obeying you, my Lord Father," said Cosimo. "I am very sorry."They were ill at ease, both of them, bored. Each knew what the other would say. "And what about your studies? Your devotions as a Christian?" said the father. "Do you intend to grown up like an American Savage?"Cosimo was silent. These were thoughts he had not yet put to himself and had no wish to. Then he exclaimed: "Just because I'm a few yards higher up, does it mean that good teaching can't reach me?"This was an able reply too, though it diminished, in a way, the range of his gesture; a sign of weakness.His father realized this and became more pressing. "Rebellion cannot be measured by yards," said he. "Even when a journey seems no distance at all, it can have no return."Now was the moment for my brother to produce some other noble reply, perhaps a Latin maxim, but at that instant none came into his head, though he knew so many by heart. Instead he suddenly got bored with all this solemnity, and shouted: "But from the trees I can piss farther," a phrase without much meaning, but which cut the discussion short.As though they had heard the phrase, a shout went up from the ragamuffins around Porta Capperi. The Baron of Rondo's horse shied, the Baron pulled the reins and wrapped himself more tightly in his cloak, ready to leave. Then he turned, drew an arm out of his cloak, pointed to the sky, which had suddenly become overcast with black clouds, and exclaimed: "Be careful, son, there's Someone who can piss on us all!"...”
“Yes, the empire is sick, and, what is worse, it is trying to become accustomed to its sores. This is the aim of my explorations: examining the traces of happiness still to be glimpsed, I gauge its short supply. If you want to know how much darkness there is around you, you must sharpen your eyes, peering at the faint lights in the distance.”
“There is still one of which you never speak.'Marco Polo bowed his head.'Venice,' the Khan said.Marco smiled. 'What else do you believe I have been talking to you about?'The emperor did not turn a hair. 'And yet I have never heard you mention that name.'And Polo said: 'Every time I describe a city I am saying something about Venice.”