"To choose ways of not acting was ever the concern and scruple of my life"

Fernando Pessoa's quote, "To choose ways of not acting was ever the concern and scruple of my life", uses a paradoxical reflection on action and inaction, revealing underlying complexities of his philosophical outlook. Pessoa, a Portuguese poet understood for his existential and modernist musings, often faced themes of identity, self-exploration, and the complexities of human presence. This particular quote encapsulates his introspective struggle with decision-making and the philosophical implications of action versus inaction.

At the heart of this statement is the idea of choice-- a vital facet of human existence that shapes one's being and destiny. Nevertheless, Pessoa uniquely focuses his attention on the intentional choice of "not acting". This suggests an acknowledgment of the power and significance inherent in decisions not to involve oneself in certain actions or paths. For Pessoa, avoiding action holds as much weight and consequence as action itself, brightening his deep concern with the moral and ethical measurements of choices.

Pessoa's usage of "scruple", denoting doubt or doubt, points to the moral complexity he connects with action. He recommends that his life has been deeply marked by this continuous internal argument, where to act or not act is not merely a matter of choice but an extensive ethical concern. His option to focus on inactiveness might show an understanding that sometimes abstaining from participation or remaining on the periphery is important, whether to preserve one's stability, to avoid possible damage, or to better observe and understand life's unfolding.

This point of view aligns with Pessoa's broader existential thinking, where he frequently assesses the fragmented nature of identity and reality. Inactiveness, in this sense, ends up being a method of preserving the self amid the mayhem and unpredictability of the external world. Therefore, through this quote, Pessoa invites us to think about the purposeful welcome of inaction as a philosophical and existential choice, highlighting the knowledge and need in often stepping back instead of forward.