Essays and soliloquies

** "Essays and Soliloquies" by Miguel de Unamuno is a compilation of thoughtful writings that ponder the complexities of being human and what it means to be Spanish, seemingly crafted in the early 1900s. Using expressive language, Unamuno investigates ideas like being an individual, customs, and belief, trying to link personal experiences to the shared identity of Spain. Readers are drawn into the author's philosophical thoughts, exploring ideas that reveal his complicated feelings about his country and universal challenges. The book begins with Unamuno's isolation on Fuerteventura, which he sees as a good setting for deep thought and writing. In his introduction, he shares his dissatisfaction with collections of his writings and emphasizes that his works express not just ideas, but who he is as a person. He argues that his thoughts can’t be organized into a strict philosophy but are instead formed from his language and feelings. As he watches the sea, he acknowledges the beauty and seriousness of life, setting a tone of sincere reflection that carries through the essays. **