Eduardo Margareto

If Men of Peace Were Allowed to Govern, Humanity Would Sing a Different Tune

Federico Mayor Zaragoza dedicated his life to being the voice of the voiceless. His time in Granada as rector left an indelible mark on him. This interview, conducted by Gustavo Gómez in November 2004, serves as a tribute to this humanist, whose words remain as relevant today as ever.

Why has the 21st century begun in such turmoil?

Because since 1985, the wealthiest countries have replaced universal values—solidarity, equality, justice, and freedom—with market values.

What has replaced the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Short-term interests. I remember Machado’s verses: “It is foolish to confuse value with price.” In this regard, we are governed by fools. The market exposes the social wounds of the world—migration flows, death from hunger. We have failed to fulfill the promises we, the more developed nations, made to those still developing. Today, instead of helping them, we exploit them even more.

Does thinking that everything is going wrong make us indifferent to what surrounds us?

Being aware that there are preemptive wars and marginalized peoples does not mean we should let ourselves be deceived by media power. Those of us who want a true democracy—without parliamentary bulldozing or private corporations monopolizing production and research—refuse to accept as normal that major banking corporations announce 30% profit increases while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet.

Do you disagree with those who claim that this is a more realistic view of the world?

I get frustrated with those who constantly remind us that we need to be realistic because they are the ones who have never done anything to change the world. We spend our days as spectators instead of being the authors of our own lives—what we eat, what we wear, what we think…

How should citizens react?

There must be a popular outcry. I have called for each and every one of us to raise our voices so that our leaders can hear us.

For a major change, there must be a major crisis, and we are living through an unprecedented one. I have never seen a situation like the one we are experiencing now. The media is used in a biased way, suspicions are presented as facts, and preemptive military actions are taken. This is utter madness.

What should those voices say?

Each person must say what they think and avoid silence. We must be the voice of others, especially the voiceless. We must not remain silent or align ourselves with the media and those who want to control the world alone. Who do they think they are?

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from traveling across five continents?

To understand that the world is round and that each of its 6.1 billion inhabitants is our hope. I have learned to love them all. Because, as the poet said, “Who, if not all of us?”

And the price you have paid for receiving so many honors, honorary degrees, and even nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize?

None, because I have always maintained my independence with firmness. Some people, especially in my own country, have an intransigent and arrogant temperament, but I have managed to remain independent despite slander, disdain, or marginalization.

What can Granada teach the world?

Two main things. One, aesthetics: the splendor of cultures that coexisted for centuries, forming the melting pot that this city is today. And two, ethics: in Granada, I discovered the art of friendship. One of the things we need to teach is the value of friendship. That is why Granada has captivated my family and me. And it continues to enchant us.

Although you are a lover of opera, do you listen to protest songs by artists like Manu Chao or Macaco, who are considered symbols of the anti-globalization movement?

I listen to everything. I love tangos, for example, because their lyrics often reflected Argentina’s political situation at the time. Music is a way to express a way of life, dissent, and proposals for change.

As someone who strongly advocates for peace, what makes you angry?

Only the intolerant, the extremists, the dogmatic—those who do not understand that words must prevail over violence. But I do not show it.

If you could choose any audience, who would it be?

Young people, because they are our hope and must write the pages they will one day star in. That is why it is intolerable for Bush to say that the U.S. does not follow the Kyoto Protocol because it harms his country’s industry. Who does he think he is? We must ensure that young people understand the role they must play in history. That is why I worry about the future, not the present. Whether we like it or not, future generations are our ultimate responsibility.

One final thought?

For a major change, there must be a major crisis, and we are living through an unprecedented one. I have never seen a situation like this before. The media is used in a biased way, suspicions are presented as facts, and preemptive military actions are taken. This is utter madness.

Federico Mayor Zaragoza / “Talentos con Acento”

Federico Mayor Zaragoza (Barcelona, 1934–2024) was Director-General of UNESCO for twelve years, from 1987 to 1999. He was also a pharmacist, professor, rector of the University of Granada, poet, Spanish international civil servant, and Minister of Education and Science of Spain from 1981 to 1982.

This interview was published in November 2004 in the monthly newspaper Paso a Paso, edited by the Granada City Council. It was later included in the book Lujos Granadinos (Fresolina Editorial, 2008), which also features interviews with other prominent contemporary figures from Granada, such as Blanca Li, Miguel Ríos, Miguel Moreno, Manuel Orantes, Marina Heredia, and others.