Ariel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22899

Title

Ariel

Language

es

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this 1920 essay, José Enrique Rodó addresses the youth of Latin America, urging them to cultivate reason, sentiment, and idealism over base instincts. Through the symbolic figure of Ariel, Rodó champions a democratic aristocracy that values intellectual and moral superiority while rejecting vulgar egalitarianism. The text serves as a passionate call to action for a generation to build a noble future through education, perseverance, and an unwavering faith in human progress.

Summary up to 500 words

Set within a serene study adorned with a bronze statue of Ariel, the spirit from Shakespeare's *The Tempest*, the venerable master Próspero bids farewell to his young disciples after a year of instruction. In this final address, Rodó delivers a profound manifesto on youth, civilization, and the individual's role in history. He defines Ariel as the embodiment of reason, sentiment, and the noble spirit that elevates humanity above the baser instincts symbolized by Caliban. Próspero argues that true democracy is not a leveling force leading to mediocrity, but a mechanism that allows for the selection of the best minds and virtues, provided it is grounded in education and moral order. Rodó contrasts the vibrant, creative energy of the young—exemplified by ancient Greece and early Christianity—with the stagnation of priestly Egypt or the leveling tendencies of modern utilitarianism. He critiques the dangers of false equality that leads to mediocrity, citing thinkers like Carlyle, Nietzsche, and Flaubert who warned against the tyranny of the majority. However, he insists that democracy remains essential if it fosters a 'democratic aristocracy' where superior qualities are recognized and rewarded. True equality means equal opportunity for all to develop noble faculties, not an equal reality of influence. The essay culminates in a vision for Latin America, suggesting that the continent's mountains could serve as the pedestal for this ideal. Rodó encourages the youth to embrace the future, to work without immediate reward, and to maintain hope even in the face of despair. He urges them to dedicate their souls to the unknown future, ensuring that the spirit of Ariel continues to inspire the evolution of the human race. The narrative closes with the students departing into a serene night, carrying the persistent vibration of Próspero's words, while the statue of Ariel seems to gaze upon them with a spark of life, symbolizing the enduring power of hope and idealism.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22899.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22899.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 17:36 UTC

Categories

• Philosophy
• Politics