Witnessing even a single one of these moments of “meaningful coincidences” or “synchronicity,” to use Jung’s terminology, more than justifies the study of esotericism as a whole, from the most obscure theories to the most exotic systems of divination. In these moments, one realizes just how inadequate, how foolish this modern scientistic conception is, one that relies on an authority ridiculed by the tremendous, unquestionable, and unforgettable violence of certain experiences. To witness it just once, and it becomes difficult to take any interest in anything “scientific”—the sacredness of the adjective crumbles. So, the real problem: immersing oneself in what is the most prolific territory of charlatans. But there is no way out: one must listen to them, perhaps be deceived, and discover, in the end, what good could be gleaned from it.
Category: Notes
Some Might Say There Is No Walt Whitman…
Some might say there is no Walt Whitman, no Eliot; however, what is most evident in Brazilian poetry is that the good poets number in the dozens, and that is no small thing. Poets such as Maranhão Sobrinho, Junqueira Freire, Raul de Leoni, José Albano, and Venceslau de Queirós are rarely even mentioned in anthologies and compendiums. The tradition, for its part, has already boasted several centuries of consistency and solidity. And even though, after a superficial analysis of new and old poets, of hackneyed or imported themes, one might give in to the impulse to disparage the whole, a deeper study leaves no doubt as to the tremendous folly of doing so. Brazilian poetry is excellent; and nothing more needs to be said.
Rubem Fonseca’s Quality
It does not take many short stories to appreciate Rubem Fonseca’s quality. And it must be somewhat irritating for those plagued by that old complex to realize that Rubem Fonseca has reached the level of the best in the genre. Less impressive than his mastery of varied narrative techniques, his creativity in plot structure, and his somewhat shocking vocabulary are the incisiveness of his themes and a style that does not shy away from speaking plainly. It is in this, above all, that the great writer stands out. Breaking away from a tradition that insinuates, that ironizes, but that fears raw and direct expression, Rubem Fonseca manages to highlight real problems laid bare by the reality of his time. In short, he is a unique writer who had the courage to put on paper what seemed essential to him.
The Bulk of Dissatisfaction Stems From Vanity
It is shockingly obvious that the bulk of dissatisfaction stems from vanity; and the more one manages to curb the latter, the less one experiences the former. It is evident, indisputable. However, a state of complete disillusionment is usually necessary to truly realize this. There is no disillusionment without expectation, and there is no dissatisfaction without vanity. Feeding this vice is a grave mistake, because it never leads to anything good. To destroy it, one must sometimes sever ties, cut roots; but the effort is worth it. One can then practically conclude that all dissatisfaction is groundless, and that life is much better when one rejects the habit of complaining.