We are in Fate and Fate's and do but Lack

Name: We are in Fate and Fate's and do but Lack
Author: Fernando Pessoa

The work explores the themes of fate, identity, and the human condition through a philosophical lens. It delves into the struggle of self-awareness and the disconnect between inner existence and external reality. The speaker reflects on the limitations of human understanding, suggesting that individuals are often trapped in their own perceptions, unable to grasp the true nature of their being. The text emphasizes the idea that people are ensnared by their own thoughts and emotions, which distort their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The notion of "doubleness of mind" highlights the conflict between internal desires and external realities, suggesting that individuals are like puppets, manipulated by unseen forces. The language used is rich and complex, reflecting the intricacies of thought and the challenges of articulating one's inner experience. The speaker grapples with the idea that an "unknown language" resides within, indicating a deeper truth that remains elusive. This struggle for clarity and understanding is central to the human experience, as individuals seek to reconcile their inner lives with the external world. Throughout the work, there is a sense of existential inquiry, questioning the nature of existence and the role of fate in shaping human lives. The interplay between fate and free will is a recurring motif, as the speaker contemplates the extent to which individuals can influence their destinies. Ultimately, the text serves as a meditation on the complexities of self-identity and the quest for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. The exploration of these themes invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which they navigate the tension between their inner selves and the external forces that shape their lives.

By Fernando Pessoa · First published 1929 · Genre: Philosophical Poetry, Modernist Literature, Lyrical Poetry · 153 words

First lines

We are in Fate and Fate's and do but lack

Outness from soul to know ourselves its dwelling, And do but compel Fate aside or back By Fate's own immanence in the compelling.

We are too far in us from outward truth To know how much we are not what we are, And live but in the heat of error's youth, Yet young enough its acting youth to ignore.

The doubleness of mind fails us, to glance At our exterior presence amid things, Sizing from otherness our countenance And seeing our puppet will's act-acting strings.

What this Textopian page supports

We are in Fate and Fate's and do but Lack is listed on Textopian as a poem by Fernando Pessoa, dated 1929 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Fernando Pessoa
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Poetry, Modernist Literature, Lyrical Poetry, Existentialism, Symbolism
Length: 153 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophical Poetry — The poem explores deep existential themes and the nature of fate, identity, and reality, characteristic of philosophical poetry.
Modernist Literature — The work reflects modernist themes such as fragmentation, introspection, and a departure from traditional narrative forms.
Lyrical Poetry — The poem employs a personal and emotional tone, focusing on the speaker's inner thoughts and feelings.
Existentialism — The themes of self-awareness, the search for meaning, and the struggle against fate align with existentialist literature.