823 Quotes by Umberto Eco

Aristotle says in the book of secrets that communicating too many arcana of nature and art breaks a celestial seal and many evils can ensue. Which does not mean that secrets must not be revealed, but that the learned must decide when and how.

I sought peace in everything, but never was I happier than in a corner with a book.

Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn’t ask ourselves what it says but what it means, a precept that the commentators of the holy books had very clearly in mind.

Our life is full of empty space.

Every European goes on the streets and sees medieval churches. Not if you live in Indianapolis.

Human beings are religious animals.

Here's a book about gnomes, undies, salamanders, elves, sylphs, fairies, but it, too, brings in the origins of Aryan civilization. The SS, apparently, are descended from the Seven Dwarfs.

There are four kinds of people in this world. Cretins, fools, morons, and lunatics.

I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by the little scraps of wisdom.