Meaning: This quote by Italo Calvino encapsulates the paradoxical nature of satire and the satirist's relationship with the world they critique. It reflects the tension between repulsion and attraction that the satirist experiences in engaging with the world around them. Calvino's observation offers insight into the complex dynamics at play in the world of satire and the challenges faced by those who seek to expose and critique societal absurdities.

The first part of the quote, "The satirist is prevented by repulsion from gaining a better knowledge of the world he is attracted to," highlights the inherent aversion that the satirist feels towards the world they seek to understand and critique. Satire often arises from a sense of disillusionment or dissatisfaction with the status quo, prompting the satirist to confront the absurdities and contradictions present in society. This repulsion acts as a barrier, inhibiting the satirist from fully embracing or understanding the world they are drawn to satirize. The satirist's critical lens may be clouded by their negative perceptions, hindering their ability to gain a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.

Conversely, the second part of the quote, "yet he is forced by attraction to concern himself with the world that repels him," acknowledges the satirist's simultaneous attraction to the very world that repels them. Despite their repulsion, the satirist is compelled to engage with the societal issues and absurdities that evoke their critical scrutiny. This attraction stems from a desire to confront and challenge the status quo, to provoke thought and incite change. It is this tension between repulsion and attraction that drives the satirist to confront the world they critique, compelling them to navigate the complexities of their relationship with the subject of their satire.

Calvino's quote underscores the intricate and contradictory nature of the satirist's role in society. The satirist is both repelled by and attracted to the world they seek to satirize, grappling with the complexities of their critical engagement. This duality reflects the challenging and often uncomfortable position of the satirist, who must navigate their conflicting emotions and perspectives in order to effectively critique the world around them.

In conclusion, Italo Calvino's quote offers valuable insight into the paradoxical nature of satire and the complex relationship between the satirist and the world they critique. The tension between repulsion and attraction encapsulates the challenges and contradictions inherent in the satirist's role, shedding light on the intricate dynamics at play in the realm of satire. By acknowledging the conflicting emotions and motivations that drive the satirist, Calvino's quote provides a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of engaging with and critiquing society through the lens of satire.