A man is never completely alone in this world. At the worst, he has the company of a boy, a youth, and by and by a grown man - the one he used to be.

— Cesare Pavese

And then we cowards who loved the whispering evening, the houses, the paths by the river, the dirty red lights of those places, the sweet soundless sorrow—we reached our hands out toward the living chaining silence, but our heart startled us with blood, and no more sweetness then, no more losing ourselves on the path by the river—no longer slaves, we knew we were alone and alive.(Translated By Geoffrey Brock)

— Cesare Pavese

Every luxury must be paid for and everything is a luxury starting with being in the world.

— Cesare Pavese

Every luxury must be paid for, and everything is a luxury, starting with being in this world.

— Cesare Pavese

From someone who doesn't want to share your destiny, you should neither accept a cigarette

— Cesare Pavese

If it is true that one gets used to suffering, how is it that as the years go one always suffers more? No, they are not mad, those people who amuse themselves, enjoy life, travel, make love, fight—they are not mad. We should like to do the same ourselves.

— Cesare Pavese

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, forgiveness, selfishness and fears.

— Cesare Pavese

Life is pain and the enjoyment of love is an anesthetic.

— Cesare Pavese

Literature is a defense against the attacks of life. It says to life: "You can't deceive me. I know your habits, foresee and enjoy watching your reactions, and steal your secret by involving you in cunning obstructions that halt your normal

— Cesare Pavese

Literature is a defense against the attacks of life. It says to life: "You can't deceive me. I know your habits, foresee and enjoy watching your reactions, and steal your secret by involving you in cunning obstructions that halt your normal Flo

— Cesare Pavese