Lao Zi
Author of the day

Lao Zi

Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu) is traditionally credited as the author of the "Tao Te Ching" and a central figure in Taoist philosophy. His historical existence is debated, but his influence through the teachings on the Tao – the Way – is immeasurable. His philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, simplicity, non-action (wu wei), and wisdom through introspection and observation of the universe.

Poem of the day

Grass

Carl Sandburg
Pile the bodies high at Austerlitz and Waterloo.
Shovel them under and let me work
-I am the grass; I cover all.

And pile them high at Gettysburg
And pile them high at Ypres and Verdun.
Shovel them under and let me work.
Two years, ten years, and the passengers ask the conductor:

What place is this?
Where are we now?

I am the grass.
Let me work.
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Born on this day

7
Tomás Antônio Gonzaga

Tomás Antônio Gonzaga was a Portuguese-Brazilian poet and jurist, a prominent figure of Arcadismo in Brazil. His most famous work, "Marília de Dirceu," is a landmark in Brazilian lyric poetry, exploring themes of love, saudade, and pastoral life with great sensitivity. Marked by the experiences of the Inconfidência Mineira, which led to his exile, Gonzaga produced poetry that reflects both the idealization of love and the hardships of life and social criticism, becoming one of the great names of pre-modernist Brazilian literature.

Aluízio Medeiros

Aluízio Medeiros was a Brazilian poet whose work stands out for its musicality and exploration of themes related to identity, nature, and the human experience. His poetry, often lyrical and reflective, demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the nuances of language and emotion. His contribution to Brazilian literature, while perhaps not reaching the prominence of other names, enriches the poetic landscape with a distinctive voice and an attentive eye on the world. Medeiros's work invites contemplation and appreciation of the beauty contained in words and images.

Alice Moderno

Alice Moderno was a multifaceted figure, known for her work in various artistic and cultural areas. She stood out as an actress, writer, and educator, leaving a mark on the Portuguese cultural landscape of her time. Her literary work, though not extensive, reflects a particular sensitivity and a connection to the female and social universe.

Carlos Cunha

Carlos Cunha is a contemporary Portuguese poet, known for his lyrical exploration of themes such as memory, time, and the ephemerality of existence. His work is characterized by careful language and a deep sensitivity in approaching human emotions. His poetic work has been recognized by critics for its originality and the way it dialogues with literary tradition, while also venturing into new forms of expression.

Louise Bogan

Louise Bogan was an American poet known for her emotional intensity and technical skill in her work. Her poetry often explores themes of female identity, anguish, and the human condition, with precise and evocative language. Despite facing personal difficulties, Bogan maintained a consistent and influential literary output. Her work is marked by deep introspection and a lyrical approach that resonates with inner experience. She is considered one of the most significant voices in 20th-century American poetry, admired for her originality and expressive power.

Dennis Schmitz

Dennis Schmitz was an American poet known for his poetry focused on everyday life, human relationships, and the urban experience. His work is often marked by an observant and insightful look at the details of modern life.

Died on this day

6
António Aragão

António Aragão was a Portuguese poet, essayist, and visual artist, a central figure of concretism in Portugal. His poetic work, marked by visual and linguistic experimentation, explores the materiality of the word and the relationship between text and image. He was also an important disseminator of experimental poetry.

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton was an American novelist and short story writer, known for her penetrating depictions of American high society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her works often explore themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed upon women. She is considered one of the most important writers in American literature.

Dialogue in fiction should be reserved for the cul
John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman was a prominent theologian, cardinal, and influential figure in the Catholic revival in England in the 19th century. Initially a leading Anglican clergyman in the Oxford Movement, he converted to Catholicism in 1845, an event that had a significant impact on the British religious landscape. His intellectual work spanned theology, philosophy, and education, and he is known for his profound reflection on faith, reason, and the Church.

Lagrifa Fernandes

Lagrifa Fernandes is a name associated with contemporary Portuguese poetry. His poetic work is characterized by a deep exploration of language and the approach to existential and social themes. Through careful and reflective writing, the author seeks to establish a dialogue with the reader about the complexities of modern life. His poetry, although sometimes introspective, reveals a strong connection with the surrounding reality.

Félix María de Samaniego

Félix María de Samaniego was a Spanish writer primarily known for his fables, a genre he cultivated with mastery and a keen sense of humor. His work is inscribed in the tradition of Aesop and La Fontaine, adapting and creating short stories with morals that subtly criticize the customs and vices of the society of his time. With a clear and direct style, Samaniego used the fable as a vehicle for teaching and moral reflection, earning a prominent place in Spanish didactic literature.