Meaning: The quote "Always I pay. Always I pay. How do you know Gelli? What do you want? How much do you want?" by Roberto Calvi, a businessman, reflects his struggle and the pressures he faced in his professional life. This quote carries a sense of desperation and resignation, hinting at the burdens and challenges Calvi may have experienced in the business world. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the context of Roberto Calvi's life and the events that surrounded him.

Roberto Calvi was an Italian banker and a key figure in the Banco Ambrosiano, one of Italy's largest private banks at the time. His life and career were marked by complexities, controversies, and ultimately, a tragic end. The quote can be seen as a representation of the relentless demands and expectations that Calvi may have faced in his role as a businessman and banker.

The repeated phrase "Always I pay. Always I pay" suggests a sense of enduring obligation or burden. It could imply that Calvi felt constantly compelled to meet certain financial demands or expectations, perhaps from individuals or entities with whom he had dealings. This could point to the immense pressure and responsibility he may have felt in managing the financial affairs of the bank and its associated interests.

The mention of "Gelli" in the quote is intriguing and adds a layer of mystery. Licio Gelli was an Italian financier and a prominent figure in the clandestine and controversial Propaganda Due (P2) Masonic lodge. The reference to Gelli in Calvi's quote raises questions about their relationship and the potential influence or impact Gelli may have had on Calvi's business dealings. It hints at a connection to a shadowy and complex network of individuals and organizations that were part of the backdrop to Calvi's life and career.

The questions "What do you want? How much do you want?" convey a sense of negotiation or bargaining. It suggests that Calvi may have been confronted with demands for something, possibly financial in nature, and was left grappling with the terms and conditions being imposed on him. This could point to a situation where Calvi found himself entangled in dealings that came with high stakes and considerable personal risk.

The quote encapsulates a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty for Calvi, capturing the weight of his professional challenges. It hints at a world where business, finance, and influence intersected in intricate and often perilous ways. It also raises questions about the dynamics of power, manipulation, and coercion that may have been at play in Calvi's business environment.

In understanding the quote, it is crucial to consider the broader context of Calvi's life and the events that unfolded. His involvement in complex financial dealings, ties to political and religious figures, and the subsequent collapse of Banco Ambrosiano and his own mysterious death in 1982 have given rise to numerous theories and speculations.

The circumstances surrounding Calvi's demise, including the infamous "suicide" theory and subsequent investigations that pointed to possible foul play, have only added to the enigma of his life and the complexities he faced as a businessman. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and tribulations that can accompany a life immersed in the intricate world of high finance and international business dealings.

In conclusion, Roberto Calvi's quote "Always I pay. Always I pay. How do you know Gelli? What do you want? How much do you want?" offers a glimpse into the pressures and uncertainties that defined his professional life. It sheds light on the intricate web of relationships, obligations, and potential vulnerabilities that characterized his role as a businessman. Delving into the context of Calvi's life and the events that unfolded around him provides a deeper understanding of the significance of this quote and the complexities that marked his career.