(4 Selected Excerpts)

1. No One Knows Everything

I will begin with humility, without in any way implying a lack of self-respect, fatalism, or cowardice. On the contrary, humility requires courage, self-confidence, self-respect, and respect for others.

Humility helps us understand an obvious truth: no one knows everything. No one is ignorant of everything. We all know something, and we are all ignorant of something.

Anyone who lacks humility cannot truly listen with respect to those whom they consider inferior in knowledge or ability.

2. A School That Says “Yes” to Life

With humility, loving care, courage, tolerance, determination, and patience, we can contribute to the creation of a happy and joyful school.

A school of adventure, one that moves forward, that is not afraid to take risks and rejects stagnation.

A school that thinks, participates, creates, speaks, loves, imagines, embraces life passionately, and says “yes” to life.

Not a school that remains silent and gives up.

3. The Educator Is More Than Just a Teacher

Progressive educators must understand that they are not merely teachers or specialists in teaching.

Our work does not end with teaching mathematics, geography, language, or history. We must teach these subjects with seriousness and skill, while at the same time taking part in the struggle against social injustice.

4. Dialogue Against Dogmatism

Sectarianism, when fueled by fanaticism, cripples thought. Radicalism, by contrast, when accompanied by a critical mind, is creative.

Sectarianism turns reality into myth and therefore alienates. Critical thought, on the other hand, seeks to understand reality in order to be able to change it.

The truly radical person is not afraid to listen to the opinions of others. They do not fear dialogue or contact with other people. They do not regard History or human beings as their property, nor do they see themselves as the savior of the oppressed.

Of all that follows, I hope what endures is my trust in the people, my faith in humanity, and my belief in the creation of a world that will be easier to love.