An Unsuitable Animal

Once every two years, I am forced by the Brazilian State to leave my home and go to a polling station. The State, authoritarian, forces me under the threat of complicating my life if I do not comply with the obligation I contracted without ever having signed a consent form. That is why, religiously, once every two years I am, on foot, going to a place I do not want, to face a long queue that displeases me and to type numbers that I do not like in an electronic ballot box. This is how I proceed from the age of majority. Well. Given the pretext, the joke: I noticed, in this 2020, that I have never voted for a candidate who has won, for any position, be it municipal or federal: I always choose who loses. I think and automatically the smile sprouts on my face. I rejoice every time I see evidence that I am not like other people. So I have further confirmation of what I already know: I am an unsuitable animal, I have no resemblance of ideas, temperament, or anything else to the people around me. And if the future of Brazil depends on me waking up on a Sunday, facing a queue and I have the right to choose (which, of course, I do not have, despite appearances), the country is chipped…

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It Is Amazing How the Need for Money Makes Existence Worse

It is amazing how the need for money makes existence worse. Forced, most take it for natural, but the truth is they are slaves without knowing it. Naturally, some do not share the same fate. And what weight they do not carry on their backs! Knowing one’s need for money leads to endless psychological torture. “For how long? When will I free myself?” And worse when neediness takes over the bulk of routine, which is the most common situation. Many do not understand, anesthetized. But living up to a contract, having obligations to honor, doing religiously what one would never do if he did not has to… is that, by any chance, life?

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Laughing at What Causes Anger…

I am delighted to note my disagreements with the language police, which, like the customs police, claim to be the lady of reason. I find it amusing and I am proud of my rebellion. I feel close to the crucified artists who have always aroused my admiration…

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There Is a Wall Between Independent Thought and Popular Thought

There is a wall between independent thought and popular thought that almost always makes repugnance between them. The interest of the masses is, by definition, contrary to individual interest. This means that to endorse popular discourse is to be contrary to oneself, is to see one’s own singularity diluted, is to be, in short, a nobody. And, of course, the nobody envies the dissident, the holder of the courage he lacks, so “the nail that stands out is hammered.” The coward rejoices at the approval he gains from his cowardice, feels accepted and safe. On the other hand, he lacks a headstone so he will not be forgotten… That’s all right. His friends will never let him miss the headstone.

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