I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us

I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us

Umberto Eco, the renowned Italian novelist, philosopher, and literary critic, once said, “I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us.” This statement holds a profound truth that resonates with many individuals who have been shaped by the lessons and values instilled in them by their fathers.

Eco himself was greatly influenced by his father, Giulio Eco, who was a successful accountant and a passionate bibliophile. Giulio Eco's love for books and knowledge had a profound impact on his son, instilling in him a deep appreciation for literature and intellectual pursuits. Eco often credited his father for sparking his interest in semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, which would later become a central theme in his academic work and novels.

But it was not just the intentional lessons that Giulio Eco imparted to his son that shaped him. It was also the subtle, unspoken teachings that occurred in the everyday moments of their relationship. It was the way Giulio Eco carried himself with dignity and integrity, the way he treated others with respect and kindness, and the way he approached life with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. These qualities were not explicitly taught to Eco by his father, but rather absorbed through observation and osmosis.