Books Quote by Jose Saramago
“Every novel is like this, desperation, a frustrated attempt to save something of the past. Except that it still has not been established whether it is the novel that prevents man from forgetting himself or the impossibility of forgetfulness that makes him write novels.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Blindness, 1995
The quote questions whether literature preserves identity or if the human need to remember drives writing.
In simple terms: Novels may protect memory or stem from forgetfulness.
Key Takeaway
Consider how storytelling shapes self‑knowledge.
Themes
memory
identity
literature
human nature
existentialism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing memoirs
- therapy through fiction
- archiving history
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
philosophy of self
cognitive psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does memory play in your creative work?
- Can forgetting be as valuable as remembering?
A Different Perspective
If forgetting is essential, novels might hinder growth.
