Ariel (1922)

Ariel is a philosophical essay written by Jose Enrique Rodo and first published in 1922. The book is considered one of the most important works of modern Latin American literature and has had a significant impact on Latin American intellectual and cultural life.The central theme of the book is the conflict between two different types of civilizations: the utilitarian, materialistic culture of the United States and the idealistic, aesthetic culture of Latin America. Rodo argues that Latin America has a unique cultural heritage that is threatened by the influence of American materialism.The book is divided into three sections. The first section introduces the concept of Ariel, a symbol of the idealistic culture of Latin America. The second section contrasts Ariel with Caliban, a symbol of the materialistic culture of the United States. The third section explores the role of education in preserving Latin America's cultural heritage.Throughout the book, Rodo uses a poetic and philosophical style to explore complex ideas about culture, education, and the human condition. He argues that the idealistic culture of Latin America is essential for the development of a truly human civilization, and that it is the responsibility of Latin American intellectuals to preserve this culture.Ariel has been widely read and studied in Latin America and beyond. It has influenced generations of Latin American writers and intellectuals, and has been translated into many languages. The book continues to be a significant work of Latin American literature and a powerful critique of modernity and materialism.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.