Skip to content

So our efforts led us to become those perfect objects of a…

“So our efforts led us to become those perfect objects of a sense whose nature nobody quite knew yet, and which later became perfect precisely through the perfection of its object, which was, in fact, us. I'm talking about sight, the eyes; only I had failed to foresee one thing: the eyes that…” quote by Italo Calvino
Download Open image
““So our efforts led us to become those perfect objects of a sense whose nature nobody quite knew yet, and which later became perfect precisely through the perfection of its object, which was, in fact, us. I'm talking about sight, the eyes; only I had failed to foresee one thing: the eyes that finally opened to see us didn't belong to us but to others.””

Italo Calvino

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Our perception of self is shaped by how others see us, and through this external view we become our own ideal.

In simple terms: Self is formed by others’ perception.

Key Takeaway

Embrace external perspectives.

Themes

identity perception self‑construction

Mood

introspective philosophical

Type

literary thought‑provoking

When to use this quote

  • social interactions
  • artistic creation
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

philosophy subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑view with others’ views?
  • What does “perfect object” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Relying too much on others can erode authentic self.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Italo Calvino

Explore all 468 Italo Calvino quotes

More Nature quotes

Browse all 47,383 Nature quotes