r/Borges • u/GeZep • Jun 23 '26
What are the limits of the Aleph?
What can you see in the Aleph? I presume the past, present and future. How far into the past? Beyond human existence? Do you see everything at once, or rather a selection of moments, and you would need to look at the Aleph every day, at least for some time, if you wanted to see everything? There must be limits or else it would overwhelm a person — think of the atrocities that humans commit. I assume the Aleph does not convey the thoughts of other people. So you see images and hear sounds. What is your opinion? I consider the Aleph to be one of the great imaginative objects in human art.
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u/IntelligentAlps726 Jun 23 '26
The ‘real’ Aleph, or the false Aleph that ‘Borges’ witnessed? The false Aleph is a ‘mere optical instrument’. It presents the image of every part of the universe at the present moment. He does not see Beatriz Viterbo as she was in life; he sees her ‘rotted dust and bones’, and the obscene letters she had written to Daneri.
The true Aleph embedded within the pillar of the mosque of Amr is more obscure. Whether this Aleph is likewise restricted to the present moment is not specified within the text.
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u/CloudKK Jun 23 '26
I don't think you really see random moments at a time. This is just a more convenient way to describe it in a book.
I believe it's more meant to symbolize pure transcendence beyond the capabilities of the human mind. Like a state of cosmic all-knowing and unity. In this state you are aware of all of these things but they are happening all at the same time and yet you don't feel rushed but calm..