Bom-senso e bom-gosto

In this fervent missive, an anonymous writer addresses a leading figure of Portuguese society, launching a bold critique of the entrenched literary establishment of Coimbra. Written in 1865, the letter brims with wit and irony, as the author defends the virtues of common sense and good taste against what he sees as hollow academic pretension. Though he claims no ambition for fame, his sharp observations reveal a keen eye for the contradictions that dominate the cultural elite.

The piece unfolds as a passionate argument for intellectual independence, insisting that truth and moral duty outweigh personal convenience. Its vivid, almost theatrical language paints a picture of a world where scholars hide behind titles while true creativity struggles to breathe. Listeners will be drawn into a lively 19th‑century debate, feeling the tension between reverence for tradition and the restless urge to speak freely. The work offers a fascinating glimpse into the literary politics of its time, delivered with humor, conviction, and a touch of rebellious spirit.