Ernesto Sábato
Ernesto Sábato: A Life of Passion and Conviction
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ernesto Sábato was a renowned Argentine writer, critic, and philosopher. His full name is Ernesto Rojas Martínez, but he is more commonly known as Ernesto Sábato.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 24, 1908, in Rojas, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, Sábato passed away on March 30, 1980, at the age of 71.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ernesto Sábato was an Argentine writer, critic, and philosopher. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern Argentine literature.
Early Life and Background
Sábato's early life was marked by a passion for learning and intellectual pursuits. His father, a veterinarian, instilled in him a love for nature and animals. Sábato's family moved to Rosario when he was nine years old, where he developed a strong interest in literature and philosophy.
Growing up during the tumultuous period of Argentine history, Sábato witnessed the devastating effects of poverty, corruption, and social inequality. These experiences would later shape his writing and inspire him to advocate for social justice.
Major Accomplishments
Ernesto Sábato's contributions to Argentine literature are immeasurable. He is celebrated for his novels, essays, and literary criticism that often explored the intersection of politics, philosophy, and culture. Some of his most notable works include:
Sobre héroes y tumbas (On Heroes and Tombs), a novel that explores the darker aspects of Argentine society.
Hombres y engranajes (Men and Gears), an essay collection that critiques the social and cultural climate of Argentina.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Sábato demonstrated unwavering commitment to artistic expression and intellectual freedom. He was a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes and censorship, using his writing as a platform for advocating for human rights and social change.
In addition to his literary contributions, Sábato was also an accomplished painter. His artwork often reflected the same themes and concerns present in his writing.
Impact and Legacy
Ernesto Sábato's influence on Argentine literature is profound. He has inspired generations of writers and intellectuals with his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity and social responsibility.
Sábato's legacy extends beyond Argentina, as well. His writing and ideas have resonated with readers worldwide, offering insights into the human condition, politics, and culture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ernesto Sábato is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human experience. His writing continues to captivate readers with its depth, nuance, and intellectual rigor.
Quotes by Ernesto Sábato
Ernesto Sábato's insights on:

Que el mundo es horrible, es una verdad que no necesita demostracion. Bastaria un hecho para probarlo, en todo caso: en un campo de concentracion un ex pianista se quejo de hambre y entonces lo obligaron a comerse una rata, pero viva.

On a tiny planet that has been racing toward oblivion for millions of years, we are born amid sorrow; we grow, we struggle, we grow ill, we suffer, we make others suffer, we cry out, we die, others die, and new beings are born to begin the senseless comedy all over again.’ Was that really it? I sat pondering the idea of the absence of meaning. Was our life nothing more than a sequence of anonymous screams in a desert of indifferent stars?

Desi este ingrozitor cand intelegi, viata se scrie in ciorna, iar noua nu ne este dat sa-i corectam paginile.

Desgraciadamente, estuve condenado a permanecer ajeno a la vida de cualquier mujer.

I for one have never believed there is such a thing as a collective memory – which may be one way humans protect themselves. The phrase ‘the good old days’ does not mean that bad things happened less frequently in the past, only fortunately that people simply forget they happened.

It is strange, but living is constructing memories. Right now, here in front of the sea, I know that I am creating small memories that someday will bring me melancholy and despair.

The phrase ‘the good old days’ does not mean that bad things happened less frequently in the past, only – fortunately – that people simply forget they happened.

The expression ‘there is nothing like the good old days’ does not mean that fewer bad things happened before, but fortunately, that people tend to forget about them.

Was our life nothing more than a sequence of anonymous screams in a desert of indifferent stars?
