In Italo Calvino’s Why Read the Classics? he stresses the importance of reading a classic and when it is the most appropriate time in one’s life mentally to read them. Towards the end of his argument, Calvino cites a quote from Cioran that says, “While they were preparing the hemlock, Socrates was learning a tune on the flute. “What good will it do to you,” they asked, “to know this tune before you die?”. In this quote, Calvino is trying to allude to the idea of reading a classic. What good will it do to one if they decide to never read a classic or don’t find any interest in reading one? In addition, throughout Calvino’s writing, he argues the importance of how classics “help us understand who we are” and “where we stand”. Classics teach us not new lessons, but a rather stronger understanding of the ones we already know. With the use of the quote from Cioran, it fully enforces Calvino’s message of why it can be so important to read a classic in comparison to never reading one at all. Calvino also argues when it is the most appropriate time for a person to read a classic. He states, “Youth brings to reading, as to any other experience, a particular flavor and a particular sense of importance, whereas in maturity one appreciates (or ought to appreciate) many more details and level and meanings.” When one is young, “distraction and inexperience” at such an early point in life lead to failing to fully understand a classic. A classic has deep meanings and important life lessons that a young person would most probably not catch or pay attention to. There is a bigger picture than just the story plot itself. That is why once a person is older and has given a chance to experience what life is really about, they can fully engage in and be able to see those hidden deeper meaning in a classic. Calvino fully enforces this message and the importance of one’s level of maturity with this expressive quote.