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This book is one of the chapters of the book "#One Thousand Solitudes". It's a book that one day can be read and surely makes people think
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El laberinto de la soledad
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El laberinto de la soledad es una de las piezas claves de la literatura moderna, ensayo él mismo moderno y reflexión crítica sobre la modernidad. En la historia de la literatura hispanoamericana se trata de la prosa ensayística más importante de este siglo, la que ha influido más en el pensamiento y en la literatura de lengua española y la que más ha resonado en los de otras lenguas. En el contexto intelectual hispánico, pertenece a la tradición del ensayo de identidad nacional. En palabras de Octavio Paz: "Es un libro dentro de la tradición francesa del ‘moralismo’. Es una descripción de ciertas actitudes por una parte, y por otra, un ensayo de interpretación histórica." Es una voluntad de interpretar críticamente la realidad histórica de México. Esta edición de “El laberinto de la soledad” se ha hecho en estrecha colaboración con el propio Octavio Paz, que no sólo ha revisado, especialmente para este publicación, sus propios textos, sino que además ha leído y revisado las aportaciones de Enrico Mario Santí. Se incluye también un texto inédito de Octavio Paz, "El tres y el cuatro", y tres nuevas versiones, de otros tantos textos, realizadas por el autor para esta edición.
578 pages, Paperback
First published January 1,1950
This edition
- Format
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578 pages, Paperback
- Published
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January 1, 1997 by Cátedra
- ISBN
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9788437611686
- ASIN
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8437611687
- Language
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Spanish; Castilian
About the author
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Octavio Paz Lozano was a Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat, and the winner of the 1982 Neustadt International Prize for Literature and the 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature ("for impassioned writing with wide horizons, characterized by sensuous intelligence and humanistic integrity.")
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Human beings are only "created by the hand of God" and solitude is both our sin and our salvation. We have freedoms, but at the same time, it is conditional upon our migration being finite. This dialectic governs all of human life. Man experiences birth and death alone. We are only born and we only die. When we are expelled from the womb of our mother, we begin a painful struggle that ultimately ends in death. Pages 10 - 11 of the book.
We do not want love for happiness or comfort, we want a sip of that cup of life in which contradictions are annihilated, in which life and death, time and eternity come together. Page 12 of the book.
Sometimes the goals of society, which are manifested in the form of moral precepts, coincide with the desires and needs of the individuals who make up the society. But sometimes these goals (moral precepts) do not meet the desires of minority groups or important classes in society, and sometimes these goals do not meet the deepest human desires. When the goals of society do not meet human desires, society is caught in a crisis: it either falls apart or stagnates. The components of such a society are no longer human beings and are transformed into a soulless tool. Page 24 of the book.
Human existence is a complex tapestry woven with the threads of solitude, freedom, and the pursuit of meaning. Our journey from birth to death is a solitary one, yet we are constantly seeking connection and purpose. Love, in its truest sense, is not just about personal pleasure but about transcending the boundaries of the self and finding unity in the midst of contradictions.
Society, too, plays a crucial role in shaping our lives. Its goals and moral precepts can either support and fulfill our human desires or lead to a crisis when they fail to do so. It is essential that we strive to create a society that values and respects the individuality and diversity of its members while also working towards common goals that promote the well-being of all.
In conclusion, understanding the dialectic between the individual and society, between freedom and responsibility, is the key to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. We must constantly strive to find a balance between our personal desires and the needs of the larger community, and to use our freedoms to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.
We do not want love for happiness or comfort, we want a sip of that cup of life in which contradictions are annihilated, in which life and death, time and eternity come together. Page 12 of the book.
Sometimes the goals of society, which are manifested in the form of moral precepts, coincide with the desires and needs of the individuals who make up the society. But sometimes these goals (moral precepts) do not meet the desires of minority groups or important classes in society, and sometimes these goals do not meet the deepest human desires. When the goals of society do not meet human desires, society is caught in a crisis: it either falls apart or stagnates. The components of such a society are no longer human beings and are transformed into a soulless tool. Page 24 of the book.
Human existence is a complex tapestry woven with the threads of solitude, freedom, and the pursuit of meaning. Our journey from birth to death is a solitary one, yet we are constantly seeking connection and purpose. Love, in its truest sense, is not just about personal pleasure but about transcending the boundaries of the self and finding unity in the midst of contradictions.
Society, too, plays a crucial role in shaping our lives. Its goals and moral precepts can either support and fulfill our human desires or lead to a crisis when they fail to do so. It is essential that we strive to create a society that values and respects the individuality and diversity of its members while also working towards common goals that promote the well-being of all.
In conclusion, understanding the dialectic between the individual and society, between freedom and responsibility, is the key to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. We must constantly strive to find a balance between our personal desires and the needs of the larger community, and to use our freedoms to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.
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Literally, I have a love for commentary on national identity. However, sometimes my eyes can be bigger than my stomach. I thought to myself, "Ah yes, finally finished graduate school, took my licensing exam, and can now dive right into this collection of essays from the 1960s about post-revolutionary Mexican nationalism." Like, girl! But when I did pick it back up with an appetite for more intellectually stimulating material, it was truly a great read. I would really love to follow up with contemporary responses and discussions on this topic. The prose in these essays was just beautiful! And in any form, all of my favorite books are about labyrinths. It's as if the complexity and mystery of labyrinths draw me in and keep me engaged. I find myself lost in the pages, exploring the various themes and ideas presented. This collection of essays on Mexican nationalism is no exception. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of thought and has left me eager to learn more.
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Mexico and the Mexicans have always been a captivating subject. The essence of this nation and its people is rich and multi-faceted. It is not only the subject itself that fascinates but also its wide embedding, which showcases distinct differences from European and North American cultures. The Zapatista revolution holds a special place in the hearts of many Mexicans. It is a passionate defense of the rights and dignity of the indigenous people. The Zapatistas have fought for social justice, land reform, and cultural preservation. Their struggle has inspired countless others and has become a symbol of resistance and hope. Essays on the essence of Mexico and the Mexicans explore these themes in depth. They analyze the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped this unique nation. These essays also examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Mexico and its people. By understanding the essence of Mexico and the Mexicans, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and complex country.
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Love is not a natural thing. Love is a human thing, the most human strand in the personality of a human being. It is something that we have created ourselves and does not exist in nature. It is something that we create and destroy every day. Love is a complex emotion that can bring great joy and also great pain. It can make us feel alive and full of purpose, or it can leave us feeling empty and broken. We strive to find love, to hold onto it, and to make it last. But love is not always easy to come by, and it requires effort and commitment from both parties. Sometimes, love fades away, and we are left wondering what went wrong. But even when love ends, it can leave a lasting impact on our lives and shape who we are. So, whether love is a fleeting moment or a lifetime commitment, it is an essential part of the human experience.
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Hey Pachuco,
I just wanted to let you know that I've gotta stick with that gang of mine. They're like my family, you know? We've been through a lot together, and I can't just abandon them.
Sure, there might be some risks involved, but I'm willing to take them. I feel like I belong with them, and that's where I want to be.
I know you might not understand, but this is just the way it is. I hope you can respect my decision and still be my friend.
Thanks for listening.
Take care.
I just wanted to let you know that I've gotta stick with that gang of mine. They're like my family, you know? We've been through a lot together, and I can't just abandon them.
Sure, there might be some risks involved, but I'm willing to take them. I feel like I belong with them, and that's where I want to be.
I know you might not understand, but this is just the way it is. I hope you can respect my decision and still be my friend.
Thanks for listening.
Take care.
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This book was presented to me when I was discussing the book "Three Years" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery with my friends. In that book, it is stated that love is just something that measures the confusion of a person from unity and that's it. This book is approximately in the same field. Solitude of a human being (even since the time when the religious beliefs of people about heaven are formed) is the cause and the beloved of many of our activities and orientations. The point that exists is that in my opinion, this type of books only wants to complicate the problem and that's it! I didn't remember much from this book and of course, a higher expectation was placed on it considering the name it has :) Love and solitude are complex themes that have been explored in many works of literature. This particular book seems to touch on these ideas, but perhaps in a somewhat simplistic way. While it may raise some interesting questions, it doesn't seem to offer any profound insights or solutions. However, it's important to remember that everyone's perception of a book can vary. What one person may find lacking, another may find inspiring. So, while this book may not have lived up to my expectations, it could still have value for others. Maybe upon a second reading, or with a different mindset, I might be able to appreciate it more. Or perhaps it will serve as a reminder that not all books are going to be earth-shattering masterpieces, but that doesn't mean they can't still offer some entertainment or food for thought. In the end, the value of a book is subjective and depends on the individual reader. So, even if this particular book didn't resonate with me, it's still worth considering the ideas it presents and reflecting on how they might apply to our own lives. After all, that's one of the great things about literature - it allows us to explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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Required reading for anyone with a keen interest in Mexican history and literature. Truly, it is a must-read for those who are deeply immersed in the fiction and literature from the south of our border. More precisely, it functioned as an outstanding warm-up for my reading of News from the Empire. One could envision every nation and/or culture having its own Paz. And let's not even mention its significance in post-colonial literature. Some works simply serve as exemplary models for what could potentially be achieved in other contexts. This particular piece offers a unique perspective on Mexican history and literature, providing readers with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage. It is a captivating read that will transport you to a different world and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art and literature of Mexico.
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