I think it is an error to categorize all writers either as geniuses or frauds. I think most of us are rather humble craftsmen. Epitomizing or mystifying the work of the "greats" does them a disservice. But the call to find "the prophet inside" or to give your single verse to the world is a good reminder in our world of distraction or general aimlessness.
I have read several works by Kazantzakis and I think he is truly a genius. I think he is one of the few writers in the world who has written almost all genres of literature (from novels and short stories, to theater, travel fiction and poetry) he has translated Homer (at school, in Greece, we were taught the Odyssey in his own translation) and Dante, but and many other foreign authors.
The fact that he was never awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature is also due to his relationship with the official Church: for his book "The Last Temptation" he was excommunicated by the Orthodox Church and the same book is among those banned by the Vatican.
I think the value of his work lies in the fact that he married literature with philosophy and thus highlighted the essence of Man: man is the Word, that is, the coexistence of thought and action. By reading the works of Kazantzakis one really becomes a better person, which was, of course, his deliberate pursuit. I suggest you, Vashik, and your readers read "Reference to Greco", which is autobiographical and summarizes his philosophy on Man and life.
An absolute eye-opener !! The way you showcase your knowledge and thirst for Literature by intertwining both of the branches together, drives me crazy🤍
Vashik, this is very observant and acute: "My deepest fear is that I won’t articulate who I am to my own self." Perhaps in this sentence, you have surpassed the deepest fear and have actually articulated what needs to be articulated? A great write-up. Thanks for sharing this piece-
I think it is an error to categorize all writers either as geniuses or frauds. I think most of us are rather humble craftsmen. Epitomizing or mystifying the work of the "greats" does them a disservice. But the call to find "the prophet inside" or to give your single verse to the world is a good reminder in our world of distraction or general aimlessness.
'most of the modern bestsellers are the result of graphorrea' this!
What a wonderful post this is! Really, thought-provoking and moving♥️
Thank you Mariana! :)
Vashik, this is a wonderful piece! So happy to reacquaint myself to one of Borges’ characters from this perspective. Absolutely loved it
Thank you so much Himanshi!
I have read several works by Kazantzakis and I think he is truly a genius. I think he is one of the few writers in the world who has written almost all genres of literature (from novels and short stories, to theater, travel fiction and poetry) he has translated Homer (at school, in Greece, we were taught the Odyssey in his own translation) and Dante, but and many other foreign authors.
The fact that he was never awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature is also due to his relationship with the official Church: for his book "The Last Temptation" he was excommunicated by the Orthodox Church and the same book is among those banned by the Vatican.
I think the value of his work lies in the fact that he married literature with philosophy and thus highlighted the essence of Man: man is the Word, that is, the coexistence of thought and action. By reading the works of Kazantzakis one really becomes a better person, which was, of course, his deliberate pursuit. I suggest you, Vashik, and your readers read "Reference to Greco", which is autobiographical and summarizes his philosophy on Man and life.
An absolute eye-opener !! The way you showcase your knowledge and thirst for Literature by intertwining both of the branches together, drives me crazy🤍
Vashik, this is very observant and acute: "My deepest fear is that I won’t articulate who I am to my own self." Perhaps in this sentence, you have surpassed the deepest fear and have actually articulated what needs to be articulated? A great write-up. Thanks for sharing this piece-