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Oriana Fallaci

158quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases

Oriana Fallaci was a renowned Italian journalist, author, and interviewer, known for her fearless and provocative style. She was often referred to simply as "Fallaci," a name that became synonymous with bold journalism and incisive commentary.

Birth and Death Dates

Oriana Fallaci was born on June 29, 1929, in Florence, Italy, and she passed away on September 15, 2006, in the same city, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the world of journalism and literature.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Fallaci was Italian by nationality. Her professional life was marked by her roles as a journalist, author, and political interviewer. She was celebrated for her ability to engage with some of the most powerful and controversial figures of her time, often challenging them with her incisive questioning.

Early Life and Background

Oriana Fallaci was born into a family with strong anti-fascist beliefs. Her father, Edoardo Fallaci, was a member of the Italian resistance during World War II, and his influence played a significant role in shaping her worldview. As a teenager, Fallaci herself became involved in the resistance, an experience that instilled in her a deep sense of justice and a commitment to truth. She pursued her education in Florence, where she developed a passion for writing and storytelling, eventually leading her to a career in journalism.

Major Accomplishments

Fallaci's career was marked by numerous accomplishments that set her apart as a pioneering figure in journalism. She gained international recognition for her coverage of major global events, including the Vietnam War, the Indo-Pakistani War, and the Middle East conflicts. Her fearless reporting and willingness to venture into war zones earned her a reputation as one of the most daring journalists of her time. In addition to her reporting, Fallaci conducted interviews with some of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, including Henry Kissinger, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Indira Gandhi, showcasing her ability to extract candid responses from even the most reticent subjects.

Notable Works or Actions

Among Fallaci's most notable works is her book "Interview with History", a collection of interviews with world leaders that remains a seminal work in political journalism. Her novel "A Man", inspired by her relationship with Greek resistance fighter Alexandros Panagoulis, is another significant contribution to literature, blending personal narrative with political commentary. Fallaci's later works, such as "The Rage and the Pride", reflect her controversial views on Islam and immigration, sparking widespread debate and criticism.

Impact and Legacy

Oriana Fallaci's impact on journalism and literature is profound. She broke barriers for women in journalism, demonstrating that female reporters could cover war zones and political upheavals with the same tenacity as their male counterparts. Her interviews set a new standard for political journalism, characterized by their depth and directness. Fallaci's legacy is also marked by her unapologetic approach to controversial topics, which continues to inspire journalists and writers to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Oriana Fallaci is widely quoted and remembered for her fearless pursuit of truth and her ability to articulate complex political and social issues with clarity and conviction. Her interviews and writings offer insights into the minds of some of the most powerful figures of her time, providing a unique perspective on historical events. Fallaci's boldness in addressing contentious topics, coupled with her eloquent prose, ensures that her words resonate with readers and continue to be cited in discussions on journalism, politics, and cultural identity. Her legacy as a trailblazer in journalism and a provocative voice in literature endures, making her a figure of enduring relevance and inspiration.

Quotes by Oriana Fallaci

Oriana Fallaci's insights on:

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My soldier weapon is the weapon of truth.
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I am an atheist, and if an atheist and a pope think the same things, there must be something true. It's that simple!
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I no longer have the energy to get really angry, like I used to.
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Heroes can be sweet.
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The more democratic and open a society is, the more it’s exposed to terrorism. The more a country is free, not governed by a police regime, the more it risks hijackings or massacres like the ones that took place for many years in Italy and Germany and other parts of Europe.
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I leave shreds of my soul on every experience.
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I cry, sometimes, because I’m not 20 years younger, and I’m not healthy. But if I were, I would even sacrifice my writing to enter politics.
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Why do the people humiliate themselves by voting? I didn’t vote because I have dignity. If I had closed my nose and voted for one of them, I would spit on my own face.
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Io perfino nelle pause in cui piango suoi miei fallimenti, le mie delusioni, i miei strazi, concludo che soffrire sia da preferirsi al niente.
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One day you and I will have to have a little talk about this business called love. I still don’t understand what it’s all about. My guess is that it’s just a gigantic hoax, invented to keep people quiet and diverted. Everyone talks about love: the priests, the advertising posters, the literati, and the politicians, those of them who make love. And in speaking of love and offering it as a panacea for every tragedy, they would and betray and kill both body and soul.
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