Macedonio Fernández

Macedonio Fernández. A name whispered with reverence in the literary circles of Buenos Aires. Here, at this unassuming university building, we connect with the enigmatic figure who shaped the landscape of Argentine literature. Macedonio Fernández, the “Socrates of Buenos Aires,” wasn’t just a writer. He was a philosopher, humorist, and mentor to literary giants like Jorge Luis Borges. Macedonio Fernández challenged conventions, questioned reality, and embraced the absurd. His writings, a blend of novels, stories, poems, and unclassifiable works, defied traditional genres, much like this unique building itself. Macedonio Fernández was born in Buenos Aires in 1874. He earned a law degree, but his true passion lay in exploring the mysteries of existence. His wife’s death in 1920 marked a turning point. He abandoned his law practice and embarked on a nomadic life. He resided with friends, in boarding houses, and transient accommodations, always immersed in thought. Macedonio Fernández frequented the intellectual hubs of Buenos Aires, engaging in endless conversations that fueled his creativity. He became a central figure in the avant-garde movement, influencing a generation of writers. Borges himself admitted to imitating Macedonio Fernández “to the point of plagiarism.” But Macedonio Fernández remained unconcerned with fame or recognition. He published only a handful of books during his lifetime, often at the insistence of his friends. He saw writing as a tool for thinking. Many of his manuscripts were lost amidst his constant relocations, buried among tobacco, yerba mate, and guitars. The ideas, however, remained, influencing those around him. Here, at this very place, imagine Macedonio Fernández engaging in lively discussions. His unconventional ideas challenged the status quo and sparked new ways of thinking. He rejected the notion of a fixed reality. He blurred the lines between dreams and wakefulness. He questioned the nature of identity and the continuity of time and space. These ideas resonated deeply with Borges and became recurring themes in his own writing. Macedonio Fernández’s legacy extends far beyond his published works. His influence permeates the fabric of Argentine literature, shaping the very way we perceive reality. He encouraged his disciples to embrace their own unique voice and to challenge the boundaries of conventional storytelling. As we stand before this university building, let us remember Macedonio Fernández, the man who dared to question everything, who found humor in the absurd, and who inspired generations to think beyond the confines of the ordinary.