Author
José Ortega y Gasset
1883-1955
José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by José Ortega y Gasset
Meditaciones del Quijote
“Meditaciones del Quijote” by José Ortega y Gasset is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work consists of a series of essays that delve into the themes surrounding Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quijote", exploring its deeper meanings, characters, and implications on Spanish identity and culture. Ortega y Gasset employs "Don Quijote" as a lens to critique contemporary Spanish society while expressing a yearning for a more profound cultural engagement. The opening of this treatise introduces the author’s introspective approach, stating that these essays will reflect a connection between seemingly mundane topics and the broader cultural and historical circumstances of Spain. Ortega begins by sharing his thoughts on the intellectual love he feels toward his subjects, aiming to elevate ordinary experiences into matters of profound significance. He discusses the nature of understanding, the conflict between love and hate, and the cultural implications of these feelings, all while setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Cervantes’ work and its reflection on the Spanish psyche. The narrative balances philosophical inquiry with a passionate critique of Spain’s historical and contemporary issues, establishing a thoughtful framework for the essays to follow.
España invertebrada: Bosquejo de algunos pensamientos históricos
"España invertebrada: Bosquejo de algunos pensamientos históricos" by Ortega y Gasset is a philosophical essay published in 1921 that diagnoses Spain's social and political crisis. Ortega identifies three layers of national decay: superficial political errors, dangerous particularism threatening unity through separatist movements, and most profoundly, what he calls "aristophobia"—a hatred of excellence embedded in the Spanish soul. Tracing this malady to medieval roots and the absence of strong feudalism, he argues that mass rebellion against the best has caused Spain's great historical failure.