Antonio Tabucchi Quotes & Sayings

“Xenophobia manifests itself especially against civilizations and cultures that are weak because they lack economic resources, means of subsistence or land. So nomadic people are the first targets of this kind of aggression.”

“People with lots of doubts sometimes find life more oppressive and exhausting than others, but they're more energetic - they aren't robots.”

“I prefer insomnia to anaesthesia.”

“Doubts are like stains on a shirt. I like shirts with stains, because when I'm given a shirt that's too clean, one that's completely white, I immediately start having doubts.”

“I live quietly at home among my family and friends.”

“But democracy isn't a state of perfection. It has to be improved, and that means constant vigilance.”

“I don't know whether these people are going to find themselves, but as they live their lives they have no choice but to face up to the image others have of them. They're forced to look at themselves in a mirror, and they often manage to glimpse something of themselves.”

“It's very useful when politicians have doubts because there are so many choices to be made in the world.”

“Literature is my life of course, but from an ontological point of view. From an existential point of view, I like being a teacher.”

“We all want to be someone else but without ceasing to be ourselves. I think it's very important to defend this idea in real life too.”