Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Book of Disquiet summary
Fernando Pessoa
Richard Zenith
Brief summary
The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of thoughts and reflections on life. It delves into the inner world of its author, exploring themes of existence, solitude, and the human condition.
Table of Contents
The Book of Disquiet
Summary of key ideas
The Inner World of Bernardo Soares
In The Book of Disquiet, we are introduced to the character Bernardo Soares, a semi-autobiographical figure created by the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. Soares is a low-level clerk working in the city of Lisbon, and the book is a collection of his thoughts, observations, and reflections on life, art, and the human condition.
Soares' life is monotonous, and he finds solace in his inner world. He is a keen observer of the world around him, and his reflections are often melancholic, expressing his dissatisfaction with life and his own insignificance. He is deeply introspective, and his musings often revolve around his own existence and the meaning of life.
The Art of Writing and the Nature of Reality
Soares is also a writer, and he often reflects on the nature of writing and the creative process. He sees writing as a way to escape the mundane reality of his life and to create his own world. He is fascinated by the power of words to shape reality and to express the innermost thoughts and emotions.
Soares' reflections on reality are deeply philosophical. He questions the nature of reality itself, wondering if what we perceive as reality is nothing but an illusion. He sees life as a dream, and he often feels like an outsider, disconnected from the world around him.
The City of Lisbon as a Character
Throughout The Book of Disquiet, the city of Lisbon plays a significant role. Soares has a deep connection with the city, and he often personifies it, attributing human characteristics to its streets, buildings, and even the weather. He sees Lisbon as a living, breathing entity, and his relationship with the city is complex, often oscillating between love and disdain.
Soares' descriptions of Lisbon are vivid and poetic, capturing the city's beauty and its decay. He finds inspiration in its streets and its people, but he is also repelled by its noise and chaos. Lisbon becomes a mirror of Soares' own inner turmoil, reflecting his conflicting emotions and his sense of alienation.
The Search for Meaning and Beauty
Despite his pessimistic outlook, Soares is also a seeker of beauty and meaning. He finds solace in art, literature, and music, and he often escapes into these realms to find moments of transcendence. He is deeply moved by the beauty of the world, even as he acknowledges its transience and fragility.
Soares' search for meaning is a central theme in The Book of Disquiet. He grapples with existential questions, trying to make sense of his own existence and the world around him. His reflections are often poignant, expressing a deep longing for something beyond the mundane.
The Unfinished Symphony of Life
One of the most striking aspects of The Book of Disquiet is its unfinished nature. Pessoa left behind a trunk full of fragments, notes, and unfinished writings, and the book is a compilation of these materials. This gives the book a unique structure, with no linear narrative, and it reflects Soares' own sense of incompleteness and uncertainty.
In conclusion, The Book of Disquiet is a profound exploration of the human psyche. Through the character of Bernardo Soares, Pessoa delves into the depths of the human soul, expressing the universal themes of alienation, longing, and the search for meaning. The result is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Book of Disquiet about?
The Book of Disquiet (1982) by Fernando Pessoa, translated by Richard Zenith, is a thought-provoking collection of fragmentary writings that delves into the inner musings and reflections of a solitary bookkeeper named Bernardo Soares. Throughout the book, Soares grapples with themes of existentialism, identity, and the complexities of the human experience, offering profound insights and challenging the reader to contemplate the nature of life itself.
The Book of Disquiet Review
The Book of Disquiet (1982) is a literary masterpiece that invites readers into the introspective mind of its author, Fernando Pessoa. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Deeply philosophical and introspective, it explores themes of identity, existence, and the human condition, making readers reflect on their own lives.
- Sprinkled with remarkable insights and profound observations, it offers a unique perspective on the complexities of the human experience.
- With its poetic language and beautiful imagery, the book creates a captivating atmosphere that readers can immerse themselves in, keeping them engaged from beginning to end.
Who should read The Book of Disquiet?
- Readers who enjoy reflective and introspective literature
- Those curious about the inner thoughts and musings of a sensitive and observant individual
- People who appreciate philosophical insights and existential ponderings
Categories with The Book of Disquiet
Book summaries like The Book of Disquiet
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Book of Disquiet FAQs
What is the main message of The Book of Disquiet?
The main message of The Book of Disquiet is the exploration of the human condition and the introspective nature of life.
How long does it take to read The Book of Disquiet?
Reading time for The Book of Disquiet varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Book of Disquiet a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Book of Disquiet is worth reading. It offers a unique glimpse into the inner thoughts and musings of the author, providing a thought-provoking reading experience.
Who is the author of The Book of Disquiet?
The author of The Book of Disquiet is Fernando Pessoa, translated by Richard Zenith.
What to read after The Book of Disquiet?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Book of Disquiet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz