What is the significance/symbolism of the Cyclical book being cyclical in "The Library of Babel"?

Question

In *The Library of Babel* by Jorge Luis Borges, the speaker describes the cyclical book as > (The mystics claim that their ecstasy reveals to them a circular chamber containing a great circular book, whose spine is continuous and which follows the complete circle of the walls; but their testimony is suspect; their words, obscure. This cyclical book is God. What is the significance/symbolism behind the book being "cyclical", as opposed to a different shape?

Answer 1

Borges is well known for his use of geometry in his short stories and the circle is a very common shape that he uses. The circle is associated with eternity and therefore it is the perfect representation of God as a being who has existed for all eternity. Also some cultures such as the Maya considered time to be cyclical and this could be an influence as well on his writings.