The inferno of the living is not something that will be; if there is one, it is what is already here, the inferno where we live every day, that we form by being together. There are two ways to escape suffering it. The first is easy for many: accept the inferno and become such a part of it that you can no longer see it. The second is risky and demands constant vigilance and apprehension: seek and learn to recognize who and what, in the midst of inferno, are not inferno, then make them endure, give them space.
The excerpt from Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities" reflects on the nature of suffering and the human experience of living in what he metaphorically describes as an "inferno." It suggests that this inferno is not a distant or future occurrence but rather a reality we experience daily, shaped by our interactions and relationships with one another. Our collective existence can become a source of distress, highlighting the struggles inherent in human life.
Calvino presents two paths for coping with this suffering. The first option is to accept the inferno, allowing one to become so immersed in it that they disregard its presence. This path may seem easier but ultimately leads to a loss of awareness. The second option is more challenging and requires continuous effort: it involves identifying and nurturing the aspects of life that counteract the inferno. This entails recognizing the beauty and positivity that exist alongside hardship, thereby fostering resilience amidst suffering.
