Character: Fabrizio di Salina

You are right in everything except one thing: that the Sicilians want to improve. They already consider themselves perfect. Their pride is stronger than poverty.
I will tell you a story. A few days before Garibaldi entered Palermo, a few officers from the British ships asked for permission to climb to the terrace of my house, where you can see mountains surrounding the city. They were in awe of the beautiful view but were surprised by the poverty and squalor of the surrounding streets. I did not explain to them how I tried to explain to you that it's connected. One of the officers asked me: "Why did you come to Sicily, these Garibaldi?" "Teach us good manners," I replied. But they will not succeed, because we're gods." They laughed, but I think they did not understand.