By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
This quote comes from “The Book of Disquiet,” a posthumously published collection of Fernando Pessoa’s work left behind after his death in 1935. The Portuguese poet and writer saw identity as fluid and dynamic, and is famous for writing under numerous pseudonyms, giving each invented version of himself a full history and background — even going so far as to draft whole “autobiographies” for the imagined individuals behind his pen names. In the essay where this quote appears, Pessoa posits that our experiences are what we imagine, rather than what we encounter. "If I create it, it exists; if it exists, then I see it like any other scenery," he wrote. "Life is what we make of it."

Surprisingly Profound Quotes From the ‘Star Wars’ Universe

Advice From Our Favorite Children’s TV Characters

Add a Dash of Laughter to Your Day With These Cooking Quotes

12 Quotes on What Makes a Society Strong

14 Quotes To Change How You Think About Love

The Best Advice From Brené Brown

15 Quotes To Help You Feel Brave

How to Live a Full Life, According to French Philosopher Michel de Montaigne

11 Fiery Quotes for the Year of the Dragon

What Did Descartes Mean by ‘I Think, Therefore I Am’?

Get Inspired To Give Back With These Quotes