The Leopard

by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

I belong to an unlucky generation, swung between the old world and the new, and I find myself ill at ease in both. And what is more, as you must have realised by now, I am without illusions; what would the Senate do with me, an inexperienced legislator who lacks the faculty of self-deception, essential requisite for anyone wanting to guide others? We of our generation must draw aside and watch the capers and somersaults of the young around this ornate catafalque. Now you need young men, bright young men, with minds asking ‘how’ rather than ‘why’, and who are good at masking, at blending I should say, their obvious personal interests with vague public ideals.” He was silent, left St. Peter’s alone. Then he went on: “May I give you some advice to hand on to your superiors?”