If there is one genuinely Brazilian element that stands out in the eyes of the world, it is spirituality, as it has come to be called. In this respect, Brazil, even if it does not recognize it, is worthy of, if not next to, a level very close to that of any country, regardless of how much older it is. And if we compare its spiritual refinement to a country of similar age, such as the much envied United States, the result is overwhelming. This is simply a fact. The way in which religious traditions have developed and enriched here, whether imported or original, is impressive and is not only due to syncretism and cultural miscegenation. Very unique individuals have been born on Brazilian soil, some of them true geniuses, something that could very well serve as the “personal and historical pretexts” that, according to Nelson, justify the lack of self-esteem of Brazilians.
Any Philosophy That Focuses on Individuality…
Any philosophy that focuses on individuality risks being distorted by the masses. A philosophy that, like Nietzsche’s, encourages the individual to assert himself, making his own will a reality over the course of a lifetime, demands an individualized reader and vehemently rejects generalization. Such a philosophy presupposes awareness of one’s own uniqueness and the existence of a fundamental, non-transferable motivation, without which the act is unjustified and with which almost anything can be done. This cannot be demanded of the average person…
A Solid Knowledge of Man
The greatest value of psychology, and even of philosophy, consists in providing a solid knowledge of man so that the individual who studies them can safely employ himself in the conduct of his own life or, in other words, so that he can safely employ himself in the conscious direction of his own will. The study of man is valid as long as it allows the student to understand himself, discover himself and, finally, be what he wants to be. When he connects with his own will, the time comes when study is limited to providing reasons for its reaffirmation.
Creative Work
Creative work essentially depends on two things: (1) the ability to stimulate, allow and grasp new ideas and (2) the ability to make the most of them. In the first case, we briefly have intellectual effort and attention, qualities that, even if unintentionally, are incited by the simple desire to create. In the second case, there is something more costly, and perhaps the biggest difference between the fruitful artist and the unfruitful one lies precisely in this: in the ability to put their ideas into practice, not letting them get lost and go as naturally as they came. This ability is simply the ability to act. From this it can be seen that creative work, in order to be effective, requires not only ideas, conceiving them and capturing them—something that can be done effortlessly—but it also requires a state of mind that can be summed up in a permanent readiness for action.