“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.”
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
“I thought you were dead,” she went on. “I saw you fall down, and—I thought you were dead.”
“I know. I was there. I saw the great void in your soul, and you saw mine.”
“Deal with all this, live with myself, you mean? I honestly don't know. I stand often enough at the abyss of my soul, asking that same question, looking down into the dark crevices where the black monsters dwell on the bottom. They gaze up at me, and I look them in the eyes. “This also you are,” they say, and I almost fall into the void.”“And then?”Anaxantis shrugged.“And then? I turn around and go do what needs to be done. What else is there?”
“In such a beast as this..." (he means the army)"...it was the collective power that went, collapsing like a long-exhausted animal, at once falling under its own weight as much as that of its enemy. It was a collective death and not a matter of bravery or even strength, and once it was down it was finished as a battle.”
“If you want to please me very much, you will fall down when I shoot you," -OatesThe White Darkness”