Skip to content

Dead Quote by Italo Calvino

“The living of Laudomia frequent the house of the unborn to interrogate them: footsteps echo beneath the hollow domes; the questions are asked in silence; and it is always about themselves that the living ask, not about those who are to come.” quote by Italo Calvino
Download Open image
““The living of Laudomia frequent the house of the unborn to interrogate them: footsteps echo beneath the hollow domes; the questions are asked in silence; and it is always about themselves that the living ask, not about those who are to come.””

Italo Calvino

About This Quote

Source Novel: “Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino, 1972

The living interrogate the unborn, echoing questions about self rather than future generations.

In simple terms: We focus on ourselves when pondering the future.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on self‑centered questions about legacy.

Themes

existence memory future

Mood

contemplative introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • historical research
  • personal legacy
  • philosophical inquiry

Key Concepts

literature metaphysics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you ask the future?
  • How do you balance self and others?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting future needs can be short‑sighted.

4.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Italo Calvino

Explore all 468 Italo Calvino quotes

More Dead quotes

Browse all 3,376 Dead quotes