Patti Smith & “The infinite”
How to make sense of our world and recharge our spirit
Art helps us make sense of the world. It is beauty, in essence. So, we seek it in all forms. Patti Smith & “The Infinite” is one of those forms.
You know life is unpredictable. You make your plans, but life has plans of its own. And so, because of covid, on the 1st of August, we had to miss Patti Smith’s concert in Milano.
Her music and poetry are a powerful blend, and we’re certain her performance would have been a true balm for our souls.
Also, we really appreciate how she redefined the role of female representation in rock music. Her androgynous outfits have been a major source of inspiration in fashion—think mannish white shirts, blazers, loose neckties. Never traditionally ‘pretty,’ but effortlessly cool. Her style is so iconic that she’s crafted an entirely unique aesthetic.
By the way, as a tribute to Italy during her performances in Pompeii, Rome, and Milan, Patti Smith recited Giacomo Leopardi’s poem The Infinite.
Patti Smith reading Giacomo Leopardi
This is the poem in Italian, but you can listen to the English version directly from Patti Smith’s voice – here
L’infinito
«Sempre caro mi fu quest’ermo colle,
e questa siepe, che da tanta parte
dell’ultimo orizzonte il guardo esclude.
Ma sedendo e mirando, interminati
spazi di là da quella, e sovrumani
silenzi, e profondissima quiete
io nel pensier mi fingo, ove per poco
il cor non si spaura. E come il vento
odo stormir tra queste piante, io quello
infinito silenzio a questa voce
vo comparando: e mi sovvien l’eterno,
e le morte stagioni, e la presente
e viva, e il suon di lei. Così tra questa
immensità s’annega il pensier mio:
e il naufragar m’è dolce in questo mare.»
L’infinito by Giacomo Leopardi is a famous Italian poem that explores themes of nature, the infinite, and the human condition. The speaker reflects on the vastness of the universe, feeling both awe and sorrow as they contemplate the boundless horizon and the limits of human experience. Through this reflection, the poem touches on the tension between the beauty of the natural world and the inevitable sense of insignificance that comes with it.
The sense of insignificance in L’infinito is related to the human condition—specifically, the limitations of human life and understanding when compared to the vastness of nature and the universe. Leopardi reflects on how small and fleeting human existence can feel in the face of infinity. While the natural world appears endless and eternal, human life is limited, creating a poignant contrast between the beauty of nature and the finiteness of human experience.
Art, music, and poetry reflect a certain mindset and a unqiue style. Most importantly, they bring the beauty we need to make sense of our world and offer the peace of mind that helps us navigate life.
In the end, art, music, and poetry are embodiments of beauty—beauty that heals our souls.
We’re so sorry we couldn’t attend Patti Smith’s concert, but we hope L’infinito will recharge your spirit!
Patti Smith & “The infinite” Read More »