The story revolves around a group of men who are considered the most righteous and wise individuals in their community. They are referred to as the Lamed Vav Tzaddikim, which translates to "the thirty-six just men." These individuals are believed to be scattered throughout the world, and it is said that they are the ones who keep the world from being destroyed. The narrative follows a protagonist who sets out on a journey to find one of these righteous men. Along the way, he encounters various characters who claim to be among the Lamed Vav Tzaddikim, but ultimately, he realizes that none of them truly possess the qualities of a just man. Through this story, the narrative explores themes of morality, spirituality, and the nature of goodness. It raises questions about what it means to be righteous and whether such individuals can truly exist in a world filled with suffering and injustice.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1954 · Genre: Mystical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Philosophical Fiction