Antonio Porchia (1886–1968) wrote one book, a slender collection of poetic aphorisms that became a classic in the Spanish-speaking world. With affinities to Taoist and Buddhist epigrams, Voices bears witness to the awe of human existence. Revised and updated with a new introduction by translator W.S. Merwin, this bilingual volume brings back into print one of Latin America’s great literary treasures.
He who tells the truth says almost nothing.
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I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.
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Only a few arrive at nothing, because the way is long.
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Out of a hundred years a few minutes were made that stayed with me, not a hundred years.
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When I come upon some idea that is not of this world, I feel as though this world had grown wider.
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This world understands nothing but words, and you have come into it with almost none.
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We become aware of the void as we fill it.
Antonio Porchia (1
