After all, the cultivated person's first duty is to be always prepared to rewrite the encyclopedia

After all, the cultivated person's first duty is to be always prepared to rewrite the encyclopedia

Umberto Eco, the renowned Italian novelist, philosopher, and literary critic, was a firm believer in the idea that knowledge is constantly evolving and that one must always be prepared to revise their understanding of the world. This belief is reflected in his statement that "the cultivated person's first duty is to be always prepared to rewrite the encyclopedia."

Eco's work often delved into the complexities of language, semiotics, and the nature of truth. He understood that knowledge is not static, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing entity. In his seminal work, "The Name of the Rose," Eco explores the power of language and the ways in which it can shape our understanding of the world. The novel is set in a medieval monastery where a series of murders occur, and the protagonist, a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville, must unravel the mystery using his knowledge of logic and reason.

Throughout the novel, Eco challenges the reader to question their assumptions and to be open to new ideas. He demonstrates that the truth is not always clear-cut and that one must be willing to engage in critical thinking in order to uncover it. This idea is encapsulated in his belief that one must be prepared to rewrite the encyclopedia, to constantly reassess and revise their understanding of the world.

Eco's work is a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and the importance of being open-minded. He believed that true knowledge comes from a willingness to question, to challenge, and to explore new ideas. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, Eco's words serve as a reminder that we must always be prepared to rewrite the encyclopedia, to update our understanding of the world in order to truly cultivate our minds.