Tragic Sense of Life (eBook)

Miguel de Unamuno (1864–1936) was a Spanish essayist, novelist, poet, playwright, and philosopher, regarded as one of Spain's most profound literary figures. His multifaceted work blends existential concerns with a distinctively Spanish character, often underpinned by his personal grappling with the tensions between faith and reason. Unamuno was born in Bilbao and later became the rector of the University of Salamanca. His philosophical inquiries revolve around the concept of the individual's struggle for survival and immortality, which is vividly expressed in his seminal work 'Tragic Sense of Life' (Del sentimiento trágico de la vida, 1913). This book delves into the conflict between the intellect, which accepts the finality of death, and the will or heart, which rebels against this notion, creating a tragic sense of life that Unamuno believed to be quintessentially Spanish. His literary style, marked by introspection and deep psychological analysis, has had a lasting influence on both Spanish literature and existential philosophy. Beyond 'Tragic Sense of Life', Unamuno's prolific output spans across various genres, including the novel 'Mist' (Niebla, 1914) and the play 'The Other' (El otro, 1932), where he continued to explore themes of existential angst and the nature of reality. His contributions to the generation of '98, a group of writers who sought to revitalize Spanish culture following the loss of the last Spanish colonies, remain a testament to his intellectual and creative legacy.