To stagnate in the sun, goldenly, like an obscure lake surrounded by…

Quote byFernando Pessoa · 1888–1935

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Book of Disquiet, On a strictly intellectual life..

English (original)

To stagnate in the sun, goldenly, like an obscure lake surrounded by flowers.

— Fernando Pessoa

Against destiny I fulfilled my duty . Uselessly? No, for I fulfilled it.

All beginnings are involuntary.

Começo a conhecer-me. Não existo. Sou o intervalo entre o que desejo ser e os outros me fizeram.

The Gods sell when they give. Glory is paid for with disgrace. Poor are the happy, for they are Just what passes.

Myth is the nothing that is everything.

Clear in thinking, and clear in feeling, and clear in wanting