On one side, the philosophy of unity; on the other, the philosophy of chance. Incompatible, antagonistic. And both find, it is true, showy fundamentals. Deprived, however, of the certainty, of the complete proof that would annul the opposing argumentation, they fight vainly. As Pascal noted, there seems to be enough in the world for anyone to see what they want. In this way, the fundamental philosophical posture seems to be summarized in the attachment or detachment to uncertainty, in the appreciation of the signs that may or may not satisfy; in short, in the reaction of the spirit before the knowledge acquired.
Category: Notes
Maritime Ode, by Fernando Pessoa
What to say about this Maritime Ode? Without a doubt, the most powerful gust of a brilliant work. Fernando Pessoa, a master in poetic subtlety, in the ability to leave the meaning of his verses in the air, to stimulate infinite interpretations, to create a reflective, mystical, intriguing, and contradictory atmosphere, to meticulously represent the most diverse manifestations, makes his most vivid dimension burst out in this Maritime Ode, taking it to the extreme of euphoria. Structurally, a perfect dramatic construction, a progression whose climax is complete ecstasy and the ending returns to the initial reflective state, loading it with emotion. Technically, showy influence of Walt Whitman, in an almost exhaustion of images and triggers in order to fully engender the desired atmosphere. The poem grows and the reader shivers, feels his blood heat up, experiences adrenaline peaks. Very strong extremes, penetrating images in words that seem to stir on paper. How many works elicit a similar feeling? This Maritime Ode, a poem perhaps without equal in universal literature, is proof that the genius Fernando Pessoa is among the greatest artists of all time.
Symbolists and Augusto dos Anjos
It is interesting to notice that two of the three fundamental elements of symbolism according to Valéry’s definition —stérilité, préciosité— sum up with great precision the work of Augusto dos Anjos. True, unlike Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Baudelaire, Augustos dos Anjos’ stérilité is the result of a premature death, and not of a voluntary act. In any case, it is admissible: sterility brought potency, either in the French or in Augusto—the latter, owner of perhaps the strongest images ever registered in Portuguese verse.
Blessed Are Those Who Have No Need of Judgment
Reflection leads to judgment, and judgment is unbearable! The mind sees the worst shining like nothing else, and implacably points to the verdict. Blessed are those who do not need to judge in every line, to moralize even in jokes, taking reflections to the last consequences. Existence loses its weight when one is capable of being silent, blind, distracting the rational and simply letting life run its course. To the others, solidarity…