Meaning: This quote by José Saramago, the renowned Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize winner, provides a glimpse into his early political and ideological influences. Saramago was born in 1922 in Azinhaga, Portugal, and came of age during a period of political and social upheaval in his country. The quote reflects his journey towards Marxist ideology and his experiences living under the dictatorship in Portugal.

Saramago's reference to his political formation beginning with adolescence indicates that his ideological outlook was shaped during his formative years, a time when individuals are often most receptive to new ideas and influences. The mention of Marxism as the orientation of his political formation suggests that Saramago was drawn to the principles of socialism and the critique of capitalist society that are central to Marxist thought. This aligns with the broader historical context of the mid-20th century when Marxist ideas held significant appeal for many intellectuals and activists seeking alternatives to the prevailing economic and political systems.

The quote also alludes to the atmosphere of "active critical resistance" that influenced Saramago's thinking during the dictatorship and up to the Revolution of 1974. This period in Portugal's history was characterized by the authoritarian rule of António de Oliveira Salazar, who established a repressive regime that stifled dissent and restricted civil liberties. Saramago's reference to "active critical resistance" suggests that he was part of a milieu of individuals who questioned and opposed the oppressive policies of the dictatorship. This environment of dissent likely played a pivotal role in shaping Saramago's political consciousness and fostering his commitment to challenging the status quo.

The Revolution of 1974, also known as the Carnation Revolution, marked a turning point in Portuguese history. It was a largely peaceful military coup that overthrew the Estado Novo regime, leading to the establishment of a democratic government and the eventual decolonization of Portugal's African colonies. Saramago's reference to this revolution indicates its significance in his own political evolution. The events of 1974 represented a moment of profound change and hope for a new, more just society, and they likely reinforced Saramago's Marxist convictions while also inspiring his literary work, which often engaged with themes of power, oppression, and social change.

Overall, Saramago's quote offers insight into the intellectual and political journey of a writer whose work is deeply intertwined with his social and political context. His embrace of Marxism, his experience of living under a dictatorship, and the transformative impact of the 1974 revolution all helped shape his worldview and inform his literary explorations of power, ideology, and human struggle. Saramago's words invite readers to consider the ways in which personal experiences and historical events can shape an individual's ideological orientation and creative output, and they provide a valuable lens through which to understand the intersection of literature, politics, and social change.