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José Saramago

641quotes

José Saramago


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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José de Almeida Martins, commonly known as José Saramago, was a Portuguese novelist, playwright, and journalist.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born on November 16, 1922, in Azinhaga, Portugal. José Saramago passed away on June 18, 2010, in Madrid, Spain.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Portuguese novelist, playwright, journalist, and critic.

Early Life and Background


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José Saramago was born into a family of modest means. His father worked as a constable on the local farm where they lived. The young José was educated at the local school in Azinhaga before moving to Lisbon, where he attended secondary school. After completing his secondary education, Saramago moved to Lisbon to pursue a career in journalism and politics.

During this period, Saramago became involved with the Portuguese Communist Party and began working as a journalist for various publications. His experiences during World War II, including being briefly interned by the Portuguese authorities on suspicion of communist sympathies, had a profound impact on his writing.

Major Accomplishments


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- José Saramago's most significant literary achievement is arguably "Blindness" (1995), which won him the Grande Prêmio de Ficção do Público in 2001. This novel is a powerful exploration of human nature, exploring themes of sight, blindness, and the meaning of life.
- Saramago's other notable works include "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ" (1991), which reimagines the story of Jesus Christ from a skeptical perspective; "All the Names" (1997); and "Death at Intervals" (2005).
- José Saramago was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998, "for his novels that, with the depth and richness of rhetorical innovation, bring life to vision".
- He was also an outspoken critic of capitalism, consumerism, and globalization, often incorporating these themes into his writing.

Notable Works or Actions


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José Saramago's literary style is characterized by long sentences, which some critics have described as "labyrinthine". This technique allows him to explore complex ideas, philosophical concepts, and the human condition in a deeply nuanced way. His novels often incorporate elements of history, politics, and social commentary.

One notable aspect of his writing is the use of invented languages, "crioulês", which are fictional dialects used to represent different cultures or historical periods. This technique allows Saramago to immerse readers in the world he has created, making them an integral part of the narrative.

Impact and Legacy


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José Saramago's impact on contemporary literature cannot be overstated. His innovative style and willingness to challenge conventional norms have influenced a generation of writers. His work often explores themes of social justice, equality, and human rights, resonating with readers around the world.

Saramago's legacy extends beyond his writing. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights, social justice, and environmental causes. Throughout his life, he remained committed to his values, using his platform to raise awareness about pressing issues of our time.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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José Saramago is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on human nature, society, and the world we live in. His writing often challenges readers' perspectives, encouraging them to think critically about the complexities of life. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of literature to inspire change and promote empathy.

His "Blindness", in particular, is widely regarded as one of his most thought-provoking works, exploring themes that are just as relevant today as they were when it was first published.

Quotes by José Saramago

José Saramago's insights on:

Inside us, there is something that has no name, that something is what we are.
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Inside us, there is something that has no name, that something is what we are.
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In order to protect the physical hygiene and mental health of the living, we usually bury the dead.
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In order to protect the physical hygiene and mental health of the living, we usually bury the dead.
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As citizens, we all have an obligation to intervene and become involved it's the citizen who changes things.
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As citizens, we all have an obligation to intervene and become involved it's the citizen who changes things.
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Globalization is a form of totalitarianism. It is the rich who rule, and the poor live as they can.
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Globalization is a form of totalitarianism. It is the rich who rule, and the poor live as they can.
JS
For me, writing is a job. I do not separate the work from the act of writing like two things that have nothing to do with each other. I arrange words one after another, or one in front of another, to tell a story, to say something that I consider important or useful, or at least important or useful to me.
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For me, writing is a job. I do not separate the work from the act of writing like two things that have nothing to do with each other. I arrange words one after another, or one in front of another, to tell a story, to say something that I consider important or useful, or at least important or useful to me.
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I am not a prophet.
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I am not a prophet.
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I can’t imagine myself outside any kind of social or political involvement.
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I can’t imagine myself outside any kind of social or political involvement.
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We’ve all had our moments of weakness, and if we manage to get through today without any, we’ll be sure to have some tomorrow.
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We’ve all had our moments of weakness, and if we manage to get through today without any, we’ll be sure to have some tomorrow.
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No, there are three people in a marriage, there’s the woman, there’s the man, and there’s what I call the third person, the most important, the person who is composed of the man and woman together.
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No, there are three people in a marriage, there’s the woman, there’s the man, and there’s what I call the third person, the most important, the person who is composed of the man and woman together.
JS
From literature to ecology, from the escape velocity of galaxies to the greenhouse effect, from garbage disposal methods to traffic jams, everything is discussed in our world. But the democratic system, as if it were a given fact, untouchable by nature until the end of time, we don’t discuss that.
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From literature to ecology, from the escape velocity of galaxies to the greenhouse effect, from garbage disposal methods to traffic jams, everything is discussed in our world. But the democratic system, as if it were a given fact, untouchable by nature until the end of time, we don’t discuss that.
JS
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