"The salt of any interesting civilization is mixture"

Antonio Tabucchi’s assertion that “the salt of any interesting civilization is mixture” offers a profound meditation on the nature of human societies. At its core, the phrase positions diversity and the intermingling of cultures, ideas, languages, and peoples as not just desirable, but essential elements of vibrancy and depth in any society. Salt, historically prized for its capacity to preserve and enhance flavor, is a fitting metaphor for the enriching role that mixture plays within civilizations. Without it, societies risk becoming bland, stagnant, and insular.

Civilizations have always thrived when they were receptive to outside influences, whether through trade, migration, or the exchange of knowledge. Ancient cities like Alexandria, Istanbul, and Venice flourished because they embraced strangers and foreign currents, absorbing and transforming what was brought to their shores. The result was the blossoming of new art forms, philosophies, cuisines, and technologies. Such mixture fosters creativity, resilience, and adaptability. It is in the meeting of differences that innovation often occurs, challenging established norms and prompting progress.

Mixture also pushes societies towards tolerance and empathy. When people encounter those from different backgrounds, they are forced to reassess their assumptions and expand their horizons. The very fabric of what is considered “normal” or “beautiful” stretches and evolves, accommodating new influences and narratives. This process can be uncomfortable, sometimes even violent, but it is through such frictions that growth becomes possible.

Yet, mixture is not merely an additive process; it transforms the components themselves. As disparate threads entwine, they create something novel, a unique social tapestry that could not have existed otherwise. The salt of mixture gives civilization its flavor, complexity, and unpredictability, making it richer and more intriguing. Ultimately, Tabucchi’s words champion openness and the ongoing, dynamic interplay that shapes the world’s most memorable civilizations.