Tag: Writing

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Travel

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 traces a slow passage through the Balkans and the Middle … Continue reading The Use of the World — On Nicolas Bouvier’s Road, Between Maps and Mirages

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Life lessons

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 books, analyzed them with passion, lived in stories longer than … Continue reading Brain Rot and the Fight to Think Again

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Literature

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 marketing tricks, the shouting headlines, the capital letters of Black … Continue reading Rereading Cortázar’s Hopscotch: A Dance Between Chaos and Clarity

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Culture

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 into exile, the music of Brazil became a quiet defiance … Continue reading The Resilience of Rhythm: A Journey Through Brazilian Music and Storytelling

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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 at 14, thanks to my mother, who brought it from … Continue reading Kafka’s Timeless Insight into Burnout and Human Vulnerability: Why The Metamorphosis Speaks to Every Generation

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Literature

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 Milan Kundera, a Czech writer exiled in France. There’s something … Continue reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being: A Personal Reflection | Art of Saudade

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Philosophy, Poetry, Quotes

9 Lessons from Fernando Pessoa’s “Book of Disquiet”: From Simplicity to Anti-Minimalism | Art of Saudade

Fernando Pessoa is one of the most enigmatic writers, known for his use of heteronyms—various personas through which he channeled his creative expressions. His “Book of Disquiet” is formally a prose work, but its poetic nature is undeniable. The deep philosophical insights it contains are invaluable. Here, I share nine lessons I learned and cherished from this book, often referred to as “the saddest book … Continue reading 9 Lessons from Fernando Pessoa’s “Book of Disquiet”: From Simplicity to Anti-Minimalism | Art of Saudade

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History, Travel

Medieval Knight Festival at Walbeck Castle: A Journey Through Time | Art of Saudade

If you’re eager to be transported to another era, the Knights’ Spectacle at Walbeck Castle in Germany is your perfect time machine. Every July, this medieval festival brings history to life with an immersive experience that delights both adults and children. Stepping into the castle grounds, you’ll find yourself surrounded by knights, craftsmen, merchants, artists, and jugglers—all living as they did centuries ago. The festival … Continue reading Medieval Knight Festival at Walbeck Castle: A Journey Through Time | Art of Saudade

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Poetry

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: The Tenth Muse Who Defied a Male-Dominated World | Art of Saudade

When you think of trailblazing women in history, names like Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, and Marie Curie might come to mind. But there’s another name you need to know: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Born in 1648 in colonial Mexico, Sor Juana shattered the glass ceilings of her time with her exceptional intellect and fearless voice. Dubbed The Tenth Muse and The Phoenix of … Continue reading Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: The Tenth Muse Who Defied a Male-Dominated World | Art of Saudade

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Lifestyle, Philosophy

I Read a 2,000-Year-Old Roman Text on Public Speaking—Here’s What I Learned | Art of Saudade

When it comes to the art of public speaking, few names resonate as strongly as Cicero, one of the most eloquent figures in Roman history. His work, “De Oratore” (On the Orator), written in 55 BC, is a masterclass in rhetoric and public speaking that remains relevant today. Here are some key insights from this timeless text that can enhance your public speaking skills. Cicero … Continue reading I Read a 2,000-Year-Old Roman Text on Public Speaking—Here’s What I Learned | Art of Saudade

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