In the current socio-political climate, he said to himself, committing suicide is absurd and redundant. Better to become an undercover poet.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that in challenging times, one should seek alternative forms of expression rather than resorting to despair.
In this quote, Roberto Bolano highlights the absurdity of choosing a drastic end in the face of difficult socio-political circumstances. Instead of succumbing to hopelessness, he advocates for embracing creativity, such as poetry, as a way to navigate and respond to the turmoil of the world. This perspective reflects a resilient and constructive approach to adversity, emphasizing the power of artistic expression as a means of survival and comment on society.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of art during crises.
Coincidence obeys no laws and if it does we don't know what they are. Coincidence, if you'll permit me the simile, is like the manifestation of God at every moment on our planet. A senseless God making senseless gestures at his senseless creatures. In that hurricane, in that osseous implosion, we find communion.
The sky, at sunset, looked like a carnivorous flower.
I'd obviously never heard of the group, but my ignorance in literary matters is to blame for that (every book in the world is out there waiting to be read by me).
Every book in the world is out there waiting to be read by me.
Bright colours in the west, giant butterflies dancing as night crept like a cripple toward the east.
Being alone makes us stronger. Thatβs the honest truth. But itβs cold comfort, since even if I wanted company no one will come near me anymore.
Hope was an instinct only the reasoning human mind could kill. An animal never knew despair.
I don't know if there is a personal identity. We all imagine that we are absolute individuals. But when we begin to look for where this individuality resides, it's very difficult to find.
Well, if Fortune be a woman, she's a good wench for this gear.
To awaken within the dream is our purpose now. When we are awake within the dream, the ego-created earth-drama comes to an end and a more benign and wonderous dream arises.
Biophilia, if it exists, and I believe it exists, is the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms.
The Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings and successes.
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