Mondragon University hosts the presentation of Xabier Retegi’s new book, ‘Horizontes de esperanza’ (‘Horizons of hope’)

Mondragon University hosts the presentation of Xabier Retegi’s new book, ‘Horizontes de esperanza’ (‘Horizons of hope’)

Xabier Retegi was joined by Nagore Ipiña, Dean of the Faculty, and Ainara Udaondo, Director of the LANKI Institute of Cooperative Research, who conducted the interview.

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The Faculty of Humanities and Education Sciences of Mondragon University hosted the presentation of the new book by Xabier Retegi Aiastui, honorary president of the Basque Studies Society. The book is entitled Horizontes de esperanza. Una visión comunitaria para la sociedad vasca (Horizons of Hope. A Community Vision for Basque Society). The event took place today in the Faculty library and the book was presented by Nagore Ipiña, Dean of the Faculty, and Ainara Udaondo, Director of the LANKI Institute of Cooperative Research, who interviewed Xabier Retegi.

 

 

Synopsis

The breadth and diversity of its institutions is a characteristic of Basque Society and sound proof of its maturity and organizational capacity. This strength provides the country with valuable tools with which to face internal imbalances and the great challenges of the future. But at the same time, many of these structures originated in times and circumstances very different from the current ones, and have now become obsolete or inefficient.

In Retegi’s opinion, the sum of a fragmented political power, an economic power that does things “its own way,” and a shattered and precarious community power does not equal a “system.” To achieve this, these three powers must have a vision and a strategic plan for the Country, shared from the perspective of democratic bases in the political, economic and social spheres. In this book, Xabier Retegi supports implementing a “community ethic” in accordance with the new realities of the 21st century, one that would return a leading role to the individual in Basque social organization. That is, the author points out the need to create a humanist model of society that would return a leading role to the individual in Basque social organization.

To do this, each person must assume their responsibilities, become involved in community development, and contribute to the creation of the society we want, without waiting for other people to make the decisions.

Biography

In his professional career, Xabier Retegi Aiastui (Bergara, 1937), has moved between educational and cultural action and business management and political responsibilities:

• Director of the Mondragon Polytechnic School, 1962-1975.