“The real marvellous is not the marvellous that is created by the imagination, but the marvellous that is real.”
What this quote means
Carpentier distinguishes the artificial marvelous, invented by imagination, from the marvelous that exists in reality. In Latin America, nature, history, and cultures create situations so extraordinary they surpass fiction. This idea invites us to open our eyes to the strangeness of the real world, to recognize that reality can be more surprising than anything we can dream. It's a celebration of the richness of the real.
How to apply it daily
Today, observe your surroundings with fresh eyes: note three details or coincidences that seem strange or magical, and appreciate their beauty.
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