The only way to escape the abyss is to look at it, gauge it, sound it out and descend into it.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: Depression
The search for a new personality is futile; what is fruitful is the interest the old personality can take in new activities.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: Being Ourselves, Awareness, Realization, Acceptance
To choose a hardship for ourselves is our only defense against that hardship. This is what is meant by accepting suffering. Those who, by their very nature, can suffer completely, utterly, have an advantage. That is how we can disarm the power of suffering, make it our own creation, our own choice; submit to it. A justification for suicide.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: Suffering
Perfect behavior is born of complete indifference.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: Manners, Behavior
We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: One liners, The Present, Thought, Memory
Living is like working out a long addition sum, and if you make a mistake in the first two totals you will never find the right answer. It means involving oneself in a complicated chain of circumstances.
—Cesare Pavese
Topics: Life and Living
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Gerard de Nerval French Poet, Writer
Guy Debord French Philosopher
Lucan (Marcus Annaeus Lucanus) Roman Statesman, Poet
Karl Marx German Philosopher, Economist
Leon Trotsky Russian Revolutionary
Abbie Hoffman American Political Activist
Arthur Koestler British Writer, Journalist
Vladimir Lenin Russian Revolutionary Leader
Joseph Stalin Soviet Leader
Marguerite Duras French Novelist, Playwright