“Man shouldn’t be able to see his own face – there’s nothing more sinister. Nature gave him the gift of not being able to see it, and of not being able to stare into his own eyes.Only in the water of rivers and ponds could he look at his face. And the very posture he had to assume was symbolic. He had to bend over, stoop down, to commit the ignominy of beholding himself.The inventor of the mirror poisoned the human heart.”
Quote Analysis
In this thought-provoking quote by Fernando Pessoa, the idea that the ability to see one's own reflection is a sinister gift from nature is explored. Pessoa delves into the symbolism behind the act of looking at one's own face and suggests that the invention of the mirror has poisoned human hearts. This quote challenges readers to consider the implications of self-reflection and the impact it may have on our perceptions of ourselves.
Pessoa's words suggest that the act of seeing one's own reflection is a profound and potentially destructive experience. He implies that the natural inability to see one's face is a gift from nature, and the introduction of mirrors has tainted this purity. The act of looking at oneself in the mirror is framed as an ignominious and symbolic gesture, one that brings about a sense of shame and corruption. This quote highlights the complex relationship between self-perception and identity, urging readers to reconsider the role of self-reflection in shaping our understanding of ourselves.
The Dangers of Self-Reflection
In this quote by poet Fernando Pessoa, he expresses the idea that the ability to see one's own reflection, particularly in a mirror, can have negative effects on the human heart. Pessoa suggests that the act of gazing at one's own face can lead to feelings of vanity and self-obsession. Today, with the rise of social media and self-portraiture, Pessoa's words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of looking beyond ourselves and cultivating humility.
Fernando Pessoa on the Sinister Nature of Seeing One's Own Reflection
In this quote, Fernando Pessoa explores the concept of self-reflection and the darker implications of being able to see one's own face. He argues that the ability to behold oneself in a mirror is a poison to the human heart.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Fernando Pessoa's thoughts on the sinister nature of seeing one's own face, consider the following questions:
How does the inability to see one's own face impact a person's self-perception and relationship with themselves?
Do you agree with Pessoa's assertion that looking at one's own reflection is an act of "committing ignominy"? Why or why not?
In what ways do mirrors and self-reflection play a role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world?
How might the concept of not being able to see one's own face tie into larger themes of vanity, self-awareness, and human nature?
How can Pessoa's words challenge us to rethink the way we view ourselves and others in a society obsessed with appearances and self-image?
Similar quotes
“He is astonished at the fact of his being, and this astonishment leads to reflection: as he leans over the river of his consciousness, he asks himself if the face that appears there, disfigured by the water, is his own. The singularity of his being, which is pure sensation in children, becomes a problem and a question”
“Mankind has invented the mirror in vain, for there’s nobody in this world who looks into the mirror and sees himself as he truly is; each person has his own mirror hidden in his own mind and he can’t see more than what that mirror in his mind reflects!”
“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how".”
“He had the same look on his face that I had every day when I looked in the mirror. He was nothing more than a shell of a person.”
“Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.”