Perhaps everything lies in knowing what words to speak, what actions to perform, and in what order and rhythm; or else someone's gaze, answer, gesture is enough; it is enough for someone to do something for the sheer pleasure of doing it, and for his pleasure to become the pleasure of others: at that moment, all spaces change, all heights, distances; the city is transfigured, becomes crystalline, transparent as a dragonfly.
In Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities," the author reflects on the profound impact of communication and actions on our perception of reality. He suggests that the essence of understanding lies in the careful selection of words, the timing of actions, and the harmony of our interactions. The beauty of a gesture or a simple look can transform the experience of a moment, altering how we perceive and navigate our surroundings.
Calvino emphasizes that when individuals engage in actions purely for the joy of it, this enthusiasm can become contagious, elevating the experiences of others. This shared delight can reshape our environments, making them feel more vibrant and alive. In this way, the city, representing our social and physical landscape, can be transformed into something almost ethereal and transparent, much like a dragonfly's delicate wings.
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