Meaning: The quote "Everything can be killed except nostalgia for the kingdom, we carry it in the color of our eyes, in every love affair, in everything that deeply torments and unties and tricks" by Julio Cortazar reflects on the enduring power of nostalgia and its influence on human emotions and experiences. Julio Cortazar was an Argentine writer known for his innovative and experimental writing style, and this quote encapsulates his profound insights into the complexities of human existence.

Nostalgia, as referred to in the quote, is a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. It is a yearning for a time or state of being that is no longer present, often accompanied by a bittersweet longing for the familiar and the comforting. Cortazar's assertion that "everything can be killed except nostalgia for the kingdom" suggests that nostalgia is an indestructible force, impervious to the passage of time or the inevitability of change.

The phrase "the kingdom" can be interpreted as a metaphor for a lost or idealized state of being, a utopia or a paradise that exists in the realm of memory and imagination. This concept of a longing for an idyllic past is a recurring theme in literature and art, and Cortazar's evocative language captures the intensity and universality of this sentiment.

The quote also alludes to the idea that nostalgia permeates every aspect of human experience. It is ingrained in "the color of our eyes," suggesting that it shapes our perception and outlook on the world. Furthermore, Cortazar suggests that nostalgia is intimately intertwined with love affairs, implying that it influences our romantic relationships and emotional attachments. The mention of nostalgia in connection with that which "deeply torments and unties and tricks" implies that it is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can evoke both joy and pain, and that it has the power to unravel and deceive.

Cortazar's exploration of nostalgia in this quote resonates with the human experience of grappling with the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the longing for a sense of belonging and rootedness. The quote invites reflection on the ways in which nostalgia shapes our identities and emotions, and how it can both enrich and complicate our lives.

In conclusion, Julio Cortazar's quote "Everything can be killed except nostalgia for the kingdom, we carry it in the color of our eyes, in every love affair, in everything that deeply torments and unties and tricks" encapsulates the enduring power of nostalgia and its profound impact on human experiences. Through evocative language and rich imagery, Cortazar invites readers to contemplate the pervasive influence of nostalgia and its role in shaping our perceptions, emotions, and relationships. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of nostalgia and its significance in the human experience.