240 Quotes by Cesare Pavese

It is not the actual enjoyment of pleasure that we desire. What we want is to test the futility of that pleasure, so as to be no longer obsessed by it.

What world lies beyond that stormy sea I do not know, but every ocean has a distant shore, and I shall reach it.

In general, the man who is readily disposed to sacrifice himself is one who does not know how else to give meaning to his life. The profession of enthusiasm is the most sickening of all insincerities.

I spent the whole evening sitting before a mirror to keep myself company.

We obtain things when we no longer want them.

All our "most sacred affections " are merely prosaic habit.

Death is repose, but the thought of death disturbs all repose.

We like to have work to do, so as to have the right to rest.

What is to come will emerge only after long suffering, long silence.