“The original is unfaithful to the translation.”
What this quote means
This quote by Borges reverses the common idea that translation must be faithful to the original. He suggests that every reading is an interpretation, and that the original itself is 'unfaithful' to the translation, as it changes with time and context. It celebrates the creativity of translation and the multiplicity of meanings, inviting us to embrace variations rather than seek an impossible exactness.
How to apply it daily
When reading a translation, compare it to the original if possible. Note the differences and reflect on how they enrich the text, rather than seeing them as flaws.
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