Books Quote by Fernando Pessoa
““In Bernardo Soares – a prose writer who poetizes, a dreamer who thinks, a mystic who doesn’t believe, a decadent who doesn’t indulge – Pessoa invented the best author possible (and who was just a mutilated copy of himself) to provide unity to a book which, by nature, couldn’t have one. The semi-fiction called Soares, more than a justification or handy solution for this scattered Book, is an implied model for whoever has difficulty adapting to real, normal, everyday life. The only way to survive in this world is by keeping alive our dream, without ever fulfilling it, since the fulfilment never measures up to what we imagine – this was the closest thing to a message that Pessoa left, and he gave us Bernardo Soares to show us how it’s done.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa, 1913‑1935
Pessoa created a fictional alter ego, Bernardo Soares, to embody fragmented selves and suggest that living through unfulfilled dreams sustains us in a chaotic world.
In simple terms: A fictional self helps cope with life's chaos by dreaming without expecting fulfillment.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the dream, even if it never materializes.
Themes
identity
fragmentation
dreams
existentialism
self‑creation
Mood
melancholic
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- personal crisis
- mental health coping
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
alter ego
literary device
psychology
existential philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance dreaming with practical action?
- Can a fictional self improve real life?
A Different Perspective
Dreams may become escapist, neglecting real responsibilities.
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