“Giving importance to what we think because we thought it, taking our own selves not only (to quote the Greek philosopher) as the measure of all things but as their norm or standard, we create in ourselves, if not an interpretation, at least a criticism of the universe, which we don't even know and therefore cannot criticize. The giddiest, most weak-minded of us then promote that criticism to an interpretation that's superimposed, like a hallucination; induced rather than deduced. It's a hallucination in the strict sense, being an illusion based on something only dimly seen.”

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About Fernando Pessoa

Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic, translator, and publisher

Fernando Pessoa was a Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic, translator, and publisher. He became one of the central literary figures of the 20th century and is widely regarded as a major voice in Portuguese literature. He wrote not only in Portuguese but also in English and French, and he translated from both languages as well. His work spans poetry, criticism, and publishing, reflecting a career shaped by language, literary judgment, and experimentation.

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Books by Fernando Pessoa

Livro do Desassossego

2004

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Mensagem

2007

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Selected poems [of] Fernando Pessoa

1999

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The Selected Prose of Fernando Pessoa

2001

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Fernando Pessoa & Co

1999

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