The recently released book "Ressons. 999+1 citacions remarcables", authored by philologist, educator, and cultural facilitator David Pagès i Cassú, presents an extensive collection of thoughts and reflections from essayists, musicians, poets, artists, and intellectuals, primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries. The publication aims to encapsulate the thinking of these figures into expressions that encourage contemplation, encompassing experience, intuition, firmness, and advice.
Among the highlighted quotes is one from essayist and politician Josep Conangla i Fontanilles, who stated: "A people's language is its collective soul." This phrase, originating from a native of Montblanc who emigrated to Cuba and envisioned a "new Catalonia" from Havana, is reference number 381 in the book. The compilation also includes contributions from other significant figures such as Joan Oró, Frederic Mompou, Maria Àngels Anglada, Manuel de Pedrolo, Joan Fuster, Montserrat Roig, Joan Triadú, and Pau Riba, among many others.
The maxims, categorized by themes such as love, roots, art, education, spirituality, humor, language, nature, country, time, reference testimonies, values, and life, feature names like Joan Salvat-Papasseit, J. V. Foix, Folch i Torres, Paco Candel, Maria Aurèlia Capmany, and Josep Pallach.
One of the reflections included in the book, from cubist artist Maties Palau Ferré (Montblanc, 1921-2000), holds particular relevance today: "art must be accepted as an essential element, perhaps the most necessary for man's spiritual life." This quote underscores the importance of art as a fundamental pillar for human well-being.
The book, which began its promotional tour on April 11th at the Fundació Valvi in Girona, will continue its journey to various locations. This Saturday, May 16th, a presentation will be held at the Carme Fàbrega i Dalmau Library in Vilablareix, where the author will be joined by "several new Catalans" to emphasize the reflective power of a decades-old legacy that helps shape today's diverse society and the country's future.
Other notable contributions include quotes from figures like Mercè Rodoreda, Josep Pla, Muriel Casals, and Miquel Martí i Pol. Another quote from Maties Palau Ferré, a painter, sculptor, and ceramicist, reflects on the intensity of life: "What message does life give me? I am interested in strong moments lived with intensity; it is a reality that, though beautiful, has sometimes turned into a dream." David Pagès i Cassú's book is presented as a contribution to this personal and collective dream, strengthening Catalan culture.
