55 Quotes by Natalia Ginzburg

But the English do not know what surprise is. No one ever turns his head to look at anyone else in the street.

I begin to suspect that England is the most melancholy country in the world.

Italy is a country which is willing to submit itself to the worst governments. It is, as we know, a country ruled by disorder, cynicism, incompetence and confusion. Nevertheless we are aware of intelligence circulating in the streets like a vivid bloodstream.

The true defense against wealth is not a fear of wealth - of its fragility and of the vicious consequences that it can bring - the true defense against wealth is an indifference to money.

The English have no imagination: and yet they do show imagination in two things - two only. In the evening-clothes worn by old ladies, and in their cafés.

Being moderate with oneself and generous with others; this is what is meant by having a just relationship with money, by being free as far as money is concerned.

And we are a people without tears. The things that moved our parents do not move us at all.

Over my real sorrows I never weep.

My tidiness, and my untidiness, are full of regret and remorse and complex feelings.