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Dream Quote by Fernando Pessoa

“To dream, for example, that I’m simultaneously, separately, severally the man and the woman on a stroll that a man and woman are taking along the river. To see myself – at the same time, in the same way, with equal precision and without overlap, being equally but separately integrated into both…” quote by Fernando Pessoa
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““To dream, for example, that I’m simultaneously, separately, severally the man and the woman on a stroll that a man and woman are taking along the river. To see myself – at the same time, in the same way, with equal precision and without overlap, being equally but separately integrated into both things – as a conscious ship in a South Sea and a printed page from an old book. How absurd this seems! But everything is absurd, and dreaming least of all.””

Fernando Pessoa

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Book of Disquiet”, 1928

The passage reflects on the paradox of holding multiple identities simultaneously, recognizing the absurdity of trying to fully integrate them without conflict.

In simple terms: Holding many selves at once feels absurd but is part of human experience.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the complexity of identity.

Themes

identity paradox absurdity selfhood consciousness

Mood

reflective melancholic thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary poetic

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • psychological introspection
  • philosophical contemplation

Key Concepts

existentialism dualism subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile conflicting aspects of yourself?
  • Can absurdity be a source of insight?
A Different Perspective

The notion of seamless integration may overlook inevitable internal tension.

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