On... Communication

...from the introduction to my copy of Gombrowicz's Ferdydurke:

...at worst the book will pass unnoticed, but friends and acquaintances when they meet me will certainly feel under an obligation to say to me the sort of thing that is always said when an author publishes a book.  I should like to ask them to do nothing of the sort.  No, let them say nothing, because, as a result of all sorts of falsifications, the social situation of the so-called 'artist' in our times has become so pretentious that whatever can be said in such circumstances sounds false, and the more sincerity and simplicity you put into your 'I enjoyed it enormously' or 'I like it very much indeed', the more shameful it is for him and for you.  I therefore beg you to keep silent.  Keep silent in hope of a better future.  For the time being - if you wish to let me know that the book pleased you - when you see me simply touch your right ear.  If you touch your left ear, I shall know that you didn't like it, and if you touch your nose it will mean that you are not sure... thus we shall avoid uncomfortable and even ridiculous situations and understand each other in silence.  My greetings to all.