This calls for embracing all aspects of oneself and life, both good and bad, as essential for achieving true greatness or fulfillment. It suggests that wholeness comes from complete acceptance, not selective exclusion, fostering a rich inner life.
Quote by Fernando Pessoa: “To be great, be whole; exclude nothing, accept everything.”
To be great, be whole; exclude nothing, accept everything.
Insight
Historical Context
Written during a period of intense self-reflection and literary experimentation, Pessoa's work reflected the modernist search for identity amidst the fragmentation of the early 20th century, exploring internal contradictions.
About the Author
Portuguese poet and writer, considered one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century. He wrote under dozens of invented personas called heteronyms, each with their own biography and style. His posthumously published The Book of Disquiet is regarded as a foundational work of modernist prose.
View all quotes by Fernando Pessoa