Fernando Savater
Fernando Savater
Full Name and Common Aliases
Fernando Savater is a renowned Spanish philosopher, essayist, and writer. His full name is Fernando José María de la Vega y Santamaría, but he is commonly referred to as Fernando Savater.
Birth and Death Dates
Fernando Savater was born on December 28, 1947, in Bilbao, Spain. He is still alive today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Savater is a Spanish citizen by birth and has dedicated his life to various professions, including philosophy, writing, and journalism. As a philosopher, he has made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, politics, and culture.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Bilbao, Spain, Savater developed an early interest in philosophy and literature. He studied at the University of Deusto, where he earned his degree in Philosophy. Later, he pursued a Master's degree in Philosophy at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Savater's intellectual curiosity was shaped by his exposure to various philosophical traditions, including Existentialism and Phenomenology. His early work was influenced by prominent thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Savater has achieved numerous milestones:
Philosophical Contributions: Savater's philosophical works focus on ethics, politics, and culture. He has written extensively on the importance of individual freedom, human rights, and social justice.
Teaching and Education: As a professor of Philosophy at the Complutense University of Madrid, Savater taught and mentored many students who went on to become prominent thinkers in their own right.
Literary Works: Savater has written numerous books, essays, and articles that explore the intersection of philosophy, politics, and culture.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Savater's notable works include:
"Manuel Maldonado" (1981) - a philosophical novel that explores the complexities of human existence.
"The Concept of Man in Contemporary Philosophy" (1978) - an essay collection that examines the role of humanity in modern philosophy.
Savater's commitment to social justice and human rights has led him to participate in various public debates and campaigns. He has been a vocal advocate for democracy, freedom of expression, and the protection of individual rights.
Impact and Legacy
Fernando Savater's impact on contemporary thought is undeniable:
Philosophical Influence: His work continues to inspire new generations of philosophers, writers, and thinkers.
Public Engagement: Through his writings and public appearances, Savater has contributed significantly to shaping public discourse on issues like democracy, human rights, and social justice.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Fernando Savater's enduring relevance can be attributed to several factors:
Intellectual Depth: His philosophical contributions continue to shape contemporary debates.
Engaging Writing Style: Savater's ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language has made his work widely appealing.
Commitment to Social Justice: His unwavering dedication to human rights and social justice has inspired countless readers and thinkers.
Quotes by Fernando Savater
Don’t always do to others what you would like them to do to you – their tastes could be very different from yours.
Nada tan admirable como arriesgarse a criticar a los que mandan y a los que matan.
Aclararé lo que entiendo por «mentira», que no sólo es tergiversar a sabiendas aquello que consideramos verdad, sino pricipalmente escamoteársela a quienes tienen derecho a esperarla de nosotros sobre determinados asuntos.
No queremos que nos encasillen en una de nuestras facetas, sobre todo si es de las peores. Queremos que nos den la oportunidad de demostrar que no nos correspondemos con lo que hicimos durante un día malo, que somos capaces de cosas mejores.
Pero el sufrimiento pasa. Si la vida, que es todo, pasa, por qué no han de pasar el amor y el dolor y todas las demás cosas, que no son más que partes de la vida.
En la vida hay que cometer inevitablemente todos los errores en primera persona, pero la literatura nos permite embellecerlos con aciertos ajenos...
Patalear contra la muerte, y ya de paso contra todo lo demás, es el prototipo de sublevación inútil que nunca deja de encontrar angustiada y humorística complicidaden todo optimista bien nacido.
El sabio —es decir, el hombre libre que sabe lo que de veras necesita— siempre preferirá vivir en la ciudad entre sus semejantes que solitario en la selva o en lo alto de un monte, sin más compañía que algún oso.
La realidad es lo que nos ofrece resistencia, incluido nuestro propio cuerpo. Nuestro cuerpo es real, demasiado real, y por eso nos da tantos problemas, porque no se ajusta a nuestros deseos, no está sano a voluntad, no se cura cuando queremos.
Estamos destinados a inventar nuestro destino, sin segundas oportunidades. Por eso los hombres nos equivocamos y nos defraudamos, y cometemos atrocidades, pero también, gracias a eso, podemos transformar nuestra vida, inventar sus contenidos.