20 de April

Monday

15 Born on this day 7 Died on this day
Lao Zi
Author of the day

Lao Zi

Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu) is traditionally credited as the author of the "Tao Te Ching" and a central figure in Taoist philosophy. His historical existence is debated, but his influence through the teachings on the Tao – the Way – is immeasurable. His philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, simplicity, non-action (wu wei), and wisdom through introspection and observation of the universe.

Poem of the day

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night, 
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 
Because their words had forked no lightning they 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright 
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, 
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight 
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

And you, my father, there on that sad height, 
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Read full poem

Born on this day

15
Augusto dos Anjos

Augusto dos Anjos

142 years since birth · 1884

Augusto dos Anjos was a Brazilian poet, considered one of the greatest figures in Portuguese-language poetry. His work is marked by profound pessimism, with themes such as death, d…

Pietro Aretino

Pietro Aretino

534 years since birth · 1492

Pietro Aretino was a prominent figure of the Italian Renaissance, known for his wit, satirical writing, and his ability to navigate the intricate power circles of the time. Dubbed …

Manuel Sérgio

Manuel Sérgio

93 years since birth · 1933

Manuel Sérgio is a Portuguese philosopher and poet, known for his extensive work that bridges philosophy with literature and education. His writing is marked by a deep reflection o…

Rosa Lobato de Faria

Rosa Lobato de Faria

94 years since birth · 1932

Rosa Lobato de Faria was a multifaceted figure in Portuguese culture, distinguishing herself as a writer, actress, and fado singer. Her literary work, particularly her poetry, is m…

Charles Maurras

Charles Maurras

158 years since birth · 1868

Charles Maurras was a French writer, poet, and literary critic, known for his role as the leader of the monarchist and nationalist movement Action Française. His literary work and …

Henry de Montherlant

Henry de Montherlant

131 years since birth · 1895

Henry de Montherlant was a renowned French novelist, playwright, and essayist. Born in Paris, France, on April 20, 1895, he is known for his works that explore themes such as viril…

Michel Leiris

Michel Leiris

125 years since birth · 1901

Michel Leiris was a French writer, ethnographer, and surrealist poet, known for his autobiographical work and his investigations into the human condition and culture. His writing i…

Daniel Varoujan

Daniel Varoujan

142 years since birth · 1884

Daniel Varoujan was an Armenian poet, known for his lyrical work that celebrated the culture, nature, and soul of his people. His words were an echo of Armenian landscapes and trad…

Maria Aurora C. Homem

Maria Aurora C. Homem

111 years since birth · 1915

Maria Aurora C. Homem is a notable figure in contemporary poetry, known for her exploration of intimate and universal themes. Her work stands out for its lyrical depth and ability …

Adília Lopes

Adília Lopes

66 years since birth · 1960

Adília Lopes was a Portuguese poet whose work, marked by simplicity and existential depth, became a landmark in Lusophone contemporary poetry. Her writing, often melancholic and re…

Daniel Gonçalves

Daniel Gonçalves

51 years since birth · 1975

Daniel Gonçalves is a contemporary Portuguese poet, whose work stands out for its exploration of themes such as memory, identity, the city, and the ephemerality of existence. His p…

Rafael Laffón

Rafael Laffón

131 years since birth · 1895

Rafael Laffón is a Spanish writer and poet, known for his contribution to contemporary literature. His literary work encompasses both poetry and prose, exploring themes that refle…

José Luis Padron

José Luis Padron

56 years since birth · 1970

José Luis Padrón is a writer who has contributed significantly to literature. His works frequently explore the human condition, the complexities of interpersonal relationships, and…

Germán Espinosa

Germán Espinosa

88 years since birth · 1938

Germán Espinosa was a prominent Colombian poet and essayist, recognized for his profound lyrical work and his sharp reflection on the human condition, identity, and the social real…

Arto Paasilinna

Arto Paasilinna

84 years since birth · 1942

Died on this day

7
Paul Celan

Paul Celan

56 years since death · 1970

Paul Celan was a prominent German-language poet, widely regarded as one of the most significant European poets of the 20th century. His work is deeply marked by his experiences dur…

Carlos Augusto Corrêa

Carlos Augusto Corrêa

34 years since death · 1992

Carlos Augusto Corrêa was a Brazilian poet whose work is recognized for its originality and exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the passage of time. With careful la…

Johan Henrik Kellgren

Johan Henrik Kellgren

231 years since death · 1795

Johan Henrik Kellgren was a Swedish poet and writer, a prominent figure of the Gustavian era. He was a member of the Swedish Academy and known for his witty and satirical poetry, a…

Paul Fort

Paul Fort

66 years since death · 1960

Paul Fort was a French poet, known for his vast work and for having created the "Ballade française" (French ballad), a new poetic genre. His poetry is characterized by musicality, …

Philippe Chabaneix

Philippe Chabaneix

44 years since death · 1982

Philippe Chabaneix was a French poet and literary critic. His poetic work is often associated with an introspective lyricism and a reflection on the human condition, the passage of…

Antonio Abad

Antonio Abad

56 years since death · 1970

Antonio Abad is a Spanish writer whose work stands out for its psychological depth and exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and human relationships. His writing is chara…

John Whitworth

John Whitworth

7 years since death · 2019

John Whitworth is a British poet and writer, known for his witty and often satirical poetry. His work is marked by a keen eye for contemporary life, popular culture, and the peculi…