Yardsticks Quotes by Fausto Cercignani

Do not confuse fantasy with imagination; the former consumes itself in daydreaming, the latter stimulates creativity in the arts and in the sciences.

— Fausto Cercignani

As long as his strength permits, the poor mortal must always climb new mountains.

— Fausto Cercignani

It is certainly a good thing always to forgive with generosity, but it is no doubt just never to forget the wrongs received: they…

— Fausto Cercignani

We learn a lot from the mistakes of others, but even more from our own.

— Fausto Cercignani

Inner freedom demands the rejection of any imposition that injures our dignity.

— Fausto Cercignani

Personal dignity is to be measured with the yardstick of one's conscience, not with that of other people's judgement.

— Fausto Cercignani

When you would suffocate or ignore dissent, remember how many times you dissented.

— Fausto Cercignani

Unlike money, hope is all: for the rich as well as for the poor.

— Fausto Cercignani

A secret remains a secret until you make someone promise never to reveal it.

— Fausto Cercignani

If you are living in the past or in the future, you will never find a meaning in the present.

— Fausto Cercignani

Secret thoughts are only half free: they fly undisturbed in the skies of the inner freedom, but they can never leave them.

— Fausto Cercignani

Your identity is like your shadow: not always visible and yet always present.

— Fausto Cercignani