Borges: Library of Babel/summary and analysis

The short story “The Library of Babel” by Jorge Luis Borges was first published in 1941 in its original Spanish, and later in English in 1962. Though the idea of a total library had been written about previously, Borges gives us one of the most memorable accounts of such a concept. The library being representative of the universe, this video discusses the epistemological implications, and questions the limitations of what it is we can know.

How are the hexagons organized:

The Total Library. Short essay by Borges:

Other videos on The Library of Babel:

@TheCodeXCantina

@EveryoneWhoReadsitMustConverse

Other channels mentioned:

O.G. Rose:

Books Mentioned:

The Conflict of Mind:

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Where else to find me:

[TheCodeXCantina]

This is one of the greatest stories from one of the greatest writers!!
Kind of you to mention our video on it 🙏
I’m certain I should rate this story out of six. I Gettier most of your jokes.

[O.G.Rose.Michelle.and.Daniel]

You’re so awesome Pae, and your videos are a delightful mixture of insight and wit that is beyond rare. The way you said “universe” toward the start made me burst out laughing, as I laughed again with “Well, that answers that.” The line “Outside filling a spot” was also golden—I just love you. I’m going to be quoting your line that “We have to know a lot to know anything”—that perfectly captures “a major epistemological problem” (thanks also for the kind shoutout to The Conflict of Mind—that means a lot). “Temporarily Justified Knowledge” is also a great phrase. I’ll certainly be sharing this: I love Borges and you did him justice! Applause all around! (And can I trade you ten coins for a sheep in a field that's actually a robot dressed like a sheep, which is actually a person dressed like a robot dressed like a sheep...You can just have the coins...)

[HollyRhiannonWrites]

When you mentioned a library universe my fantasy author brain started going in a VERY different direction from where this video went hahaha and part of it still may be running off in that direction (it's hard to stop sometimes).
I do absolutely love the blending of the fantastical, philosophical and mathematical here. I've gone and printed these writings out to break my brain a little with this evening since I have some rare time off. Seems like the right way to spend it :P thank you!

[DavoodGozli]

Beautiful, with lots of subtle flourishes like the quick Gettier reference for JTB! On a lighter note: I loved how, precisely when you referred to Borges's meticulous method, you showed a photo of him relaxing on an armchair in an irresponsible posture next to a cat who is equally relaxed and irresponsible.

[LadyJaneBooks]

I had heard of this one, but it never caught my interest ……… until 😎 Great summary and exploration !

[tomlabooks]

Amazing. “The concept of mind” sounds very interesting. And definitely a book that was written with you in mind as the perfect reader! 😅👋🏼

[ShannonsChannel]

Fabulous, as always. Glad you are back among us. The futile search for meaning... yes...

[ABlurbFromTheSerb]

My brain is fried, also I am going to watch your videos every time I feel sad because they're the best :D

[vesnasucov]

Hi, I enjoyed your exploration of this short story - I find this story invites speculation about knowledge, meaning and our perception of them even without philosophical background, so it was nice to gain more insight into concrete ideas and theories the author had in mind. Thank you🙂
Marginally related, I think you might enjoy Piranesi by Susanna Clarke and Truth by Terry Pratchett - they differ in approach (much 'lighter') but deal with similar topics and themes.

[jasontweten]

Great analysis of the story, Pae.
Happy to see you back.

[BookwormAdventureGirl]

Great to see you back Pae. I’ve never read this book but the library described sounds fascinating. 😊💙

[Johanna_reads]

Wow, this was so interesting! I loved how you applied the certainty quote and consensus bias to your analysis of this book. When you were describing consensus bias, I immediately had the image of everyone speeding in traffic because there seems to be an unsaid consensus that speed limit signs are suggestions 😆. The circular-order-loop-point boggles my mind. This book sounds too smart for me, and I loved hearing your thoughts on it! 😁

[AnneEWilliamson]

Wow, what a fascinating story. I have never heard of Borges but I will definitely be picking up the Library of Babel up soon! Even if it may take me a long time to understand, lol.

[FITBREAD]

Excellent review of the Library of Babel. I sort of say I DNFd it years ago, because though I read the full story, one of the translations of course, I mostly checked out for the 2nd half...more my fault than anything. Hearing your synopsis and analysis, I am going to go back to it and pay attention this time. Great video PV

[TheNovelNana]

i need to read this story apparently! as always an awesome video!

[BrandonsBookshelf]

So freaking good! I cannot wait for the next video. This is one of my all time favorite short stories. Its funny, because next weeks book review on my channel is on A Short Stay In Hell which is this story come to life as one mans personal hell. Your insight here was fantastic!

[evans_KE]

if the whole world were a library what an amzing thing that would be, we would all be smart, , , , that is how i assume.

[jeremyfee]

I like the A! mug. This discussion reminded me how I'd love to travel back in time to read some of the lost ancient texts, but I wouldn't be able to actually read them because of the language barrier. I suppose I could pay someone to translate it for me, if I could steal something and bring it back to the current time, but then the text wouldn't have been available (to be used or destroyed) in the original timeline and, with MCU time travel logic, I'd end up going forward into an alternate timeline reality in which the Butterfly Effect might have caused all kinds of shenanigans... besides, why should I trust some random translator? What if, by sheer cosmic coincidence, the translator I pick is part of a secret society hellbent on keeping the ancient secrets from being revealed to the rest of the world? Now I'm just "Babel"-ing...

[BookZealots]

Lots to think about, but I haven't read this book. I'll have to read it and come back and watch your video again. The books are in order and then repeat, again in order, but who's order? Borges' order? Is this an author whose mind I want to be in? Great review. It sounds as though the book is thought provoking.

[mrh]

An infinite library would be heaven! 🙂 This makes me want to revisit Borges. I read somewhere Borges was influenced by Schopenhauer, referring to him as one who "perhaps deciphered the universe, " which I guess is either interesting or depressing, depending on one's POV. 😀