The Use of the World — On Nicolas Bouvier’s Road, Between Maps and Mirages
There are books that make you want to pack your bags, and there are books that make you realize you’ve already been traveling all along. Nicolas Bouvier’s L’usage du monde (The Way of the World) belongs to both categories. Written from his journey between 1953 and 1954 with his painter friend Thierry Vernet, this travelogue… Continue reading The Use of the World — On Nicolas Bouvier’s Road, Between Maps and Mirages
Brain Rot and the Fight to Think Again
The word for 2024? Brain rot. Totally expected. Totally felt. I could sense it happening, slowly but surely—my brain decaying under the weight of (anti)social media. Five years of endless scrolling, fragmented thoughts, and dopamine hits designed to keep me addicted. Before that, I loved the person I was. As a literature student, I devoured… Continue reading Brain Rot and the Fight to Think Again
Rereading Cortázar’s Hopscotch: A Dance Between Chaos and Clarity
One reads nonfiction to understand the world and fiction to shut down all possible explanations—because, at some point, nothing makes sense. Yet real literature gives a taste of what never made sense, turning living into not seeking answers but feeling the unbearable lightness of being. Sometimes, I feel the urge to unplug. To silence the… Continue reading Rereading Cortázar’s Hopscotch: A Dance Between Chaos and Clarity
The Resilience of Rhythm: A Journey Through Brazilian Music and Storytelling
In Brazilian music, there is a philosophy that transcends the mere notes and rhythms—it is an ethos of joy in the face of adversity, and of a profound belief that amanhã um lindo dia vai nascer—tomorrow, a beautiful day will rise. During the military dictatorship of the 1960s and ’70s, when censorship drove many artists… Continue reading The Resilience of Rhythm: A Journey Through Brazilian Music and Storytelling
Rediscovering Language Learning: The Data-Driven Magic of Literature
In the whirlwind of our modern, tech-driven world, where fleeting TikToks and Instagram reels compete for our attention, something sacred seems at stake—our ability to focus, reflect, and truly absorb knowledge. Among the casualties? Deep reading and the transformative process of language learning through literature. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if instead… Continue reading Rediscovering Language Learning: The Data-Driven Magic of Literature
Kafka’s Timeless Insight into Burnout and Human Vulnerability: Why The Metamorphosis Speaks to Every Generation
Franz Kafka’s work is an ageless classic, a piece of literature that transcends time. With each reread, his stories reveal new interpretations, hidden meanings, and fresh insights that spark feelings, thoughts, and compassion. Kafka’s sarcasm is sharp but subtle. He critiques society’s flaws through symbols only perceptive readers can decipher. I first encountered The Trial… Continue reading Kafka’s Timeless Insight into Burnout and Human Vulnerability: Why The Metamorphosis Speaks to Every Generation
Top 5 Japanese Concepts for Embracing Everyday Life | Art of Saudade
Japanese culture is rich with profound philosophies and aesthetic principles that offer valuable insights for enhancing our everyday lives. From embracing imperfection to cultivating mindfulness, these concepts encourage us to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and transience. Here, we explore the top five Japanese concepts that can inspire a more meaningful existence, along with comparisons… Continue reading Top 5 Japanese Concepts for Embracing Everyday Life | Art of Saudade
The Unforgettable: Memory, Love, and the Dreamscape of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | Art of Saudade
This movie has been around for a while, right? It’s one of those films you feel like everyone has seen at least once. Then, there are the devoted fans who still share scenes and quotes as if the film is everywhere. Strangely enough, I’d never watched it until recently. I had plenty of chances but… Continue reading The Unforgettable: Memory, Love, and the Dreamscape of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | Art of Saudade
The Unbearable Lightness of Being: A Personal Reflection | Art of Saudade
I try not to get seduced by good titles, much like how we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But I must confess, the title The Unbearable Lightness of Being and the reputation of the author played a significant role in my decision to pick up this book. This was my first encounter with… Continue reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being: A Personal Reflection | Art of Saudade
Defying Short Attention Spans with Heavy Reads: A Call to Rejuvenate Our Minds
It’s no longer a secret: human attention spans are shrinking. From younger to older generations, technology and the fast-paced consumption of information are reshaping our brains. Is it for better or worse? Only time will tell. For now, I find myself worried about these statistics, especially when I recognize my own habits contributing to this… Continue reading Defying Short Attention Spans with Heavy Reads: A Call to Rejuvenate Our Minds
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