The Classics are those books which constitute a treasured

In the quiet chambers of the human soul, where wisdom and reflection take root, there exists a profound truth about the pursuit of knowledge. Italo Calvino, in his insightful reflection, speaks to the nature of the classics when he says, “The classics are those books which constitute a treasured experience for those who have read and loved them; but they remain just as rich an experience for those who reserve the chance to read them for when they are in the best condition to enjoy them.” These words resonate deeply with the ancient concept that certain works of literature and thought transcend time, not only because of the wisdom they impart but because of the timing at which we encounter them. They are like seeds planted in the soul, waiting for the right moment to take root.

In the ancient world, the idea of the timing of wisdom was highly revered. The Greeks, for example, understood that the pursuit of knowledge was a lifelong journey. The great philosopher Socrates often spoke of the importance of the right moment for learning, suggesting that one should not only seek knowledge but be prepared to receive it. In his dialogues, Socrates frequently reminded his followers that wisdom must be approached with the right mindset and timing, much like the ancient practice of waiting for the harvest to be ripe before picking the fruit. In this sense, Calvino’s words echo the ancient idea that the classics, with all their richness and depth, must be approached when one is ready to fully appreciate and comprehend them.

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are perfect examples of the ancient classics that possess this timeless quality. These epics, filled with profound lessons of honor, fate, and humanity, were passed down through generations. Yet, their true power is felt differently at various stages in life. A young listener might be enthralled by the action, the adventure, and the gods that walk among men. But it is only when one matures—when one has experienced the trials of life, the weight of loss, and the complexities of human nature—that the true depth of Homer’s stories becomes clear. Much like Calvino’s reflection, the classics can remain just as rich an experience for someone who approaches them at the right moment, as they do for someone who has already encountered them with an open heart.

The story of Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman emperor and philosopher, also mirrors Calvino’s belief. Aurelius’ Meditations is a text that has served as a beacon of wisdom for countless generations, but its true value becomes apparent only when one is ready to receive its lessons. Written by a man at the height of his power, struggling with the burdens of leadership, Meditations speaks not only to the philosopher but to any who seek inner peace and clarity. For the young and the ambitious, Aurelius’ words might feel distant or idealistic, but for those who have lived through struggles and faced adversity, the truths he offers resonate deeply. Like Homer’s tales, the classics reveal their full value when we are in the right condition to absorb them.

In our own lives, the lesson from Calvino’s words is clear: some wisdom cannot be rushed; it must be allowed to unfold at its own pace. The classics, whether they are books, ideas, or philosophies, are not merely intellectual exercises but living, breathing companions to our journey through life. The benefits of these works lie not only in what they teach but in how they transform us when we are ready. Sometimes, the timing of our engagement with them is as important as the content itself. The right book at the wrong moment may feel like an impossible mountain to climb, but the same book, in the right circumstances, can be a guiding light.

As we journey through our own lives, let us recognize that the classics—those works that have endured the test of time—are treasures not to be devoured in haste, but to be nourished over time. Like a fine wine that improves with age, so too does our understanding of these works deepen as we mature. When we are younger, we may encounter the classics with the eagerness of a child chasing after the unknown, but as we grow older, we must also allow ourselves the patience to appreciate them fully. The classics do not diminish with time; instead, they grow richer as our life experiences allow us to unlock new meanings and insights.

Thus, let us take Calvino’s wisdom to heart and embrace the idea that the classics are not just for a single reading or a single moment. They are companions for a lifetime, to be returned to when we are ready to receive their gifts. Whether it is the philosophies of the ancients or the timeless stories of human triumph and failure, let us allow these works to unfold in our lives at their own pace, knowing that wisdom is not a destination but a journey. When the time is right, we will know, and the classics will reveal themselves as a treasure that continues to enrich us with each passing year.