BE YOUR OWN CRITIC 自我批判

 We all know sort of “transfiguration” in some senses – nothing about multitasking skills – but a transformation of facial expression or even personality when facing different people, such as your boss, partner or friends. Fernando Pessoa, a famed Portuguese poet, may be the most skilful person in “transfiguration”. He divided himself into 72 heteronyms, a term invented by him, referring to imaginary characters created by a writer, which includes poets, essayists and critics. They all possess separate writing styles and personalities, and even criticise others’ works. We “transfigure” for others’ needs while Pessoa split himself into heteronyms for personal improvement. So, a reminder for you: To proceed, be your own critic first.

現代人都懂分身。這不是指同時處理不同事情的能力，而是一種自我的割裂與變形，因應面前的人而變成對應人物。面對上司，面對伴侶，面對朋友，你都能適時分身，變成他們眼中的理想典型。葡萄牙文豪佩索阿可能是最懂得分身的人。他一生共用過七十二個筆名寫作，當中全是不同的人物，有詩人、散文家、評論家，生平及文學見解各異，甚至彼此批評。我們分身為應付別人；佩索阿分身為改進自己。當中存在無法踰越的縫隙。故此，要進步，你得先成為自己的批評者。