In an event that captured the academic and cultural community’s attention, Enrique Krauze, one of the most recognized intellectuals in Mexico, gave a lecture at ITAM titled “Gomez Morin’s Relevance”. During the lecture, Krauze explored the lasting influence of Manuel Gomez Morin, a pillar of the political and intellectual history of the country, whose ideas and actions continue to echo today.

Enrique Krauze and Morín: an unexpected relationship

Krauze began by sharing how he met Gomez Morin while he doing generational research about the mexican society. This unexpected meeting allowed him to discover the depth and relevance of Gomez Morin’s thinking, who was one of the founders of the National Action Party (PAN) and a tireless advocate of institutionalization as a means for Mexico’s development. Krauze described him not only as a political leader, but also as a visionary that understood the need to give our country structure through reforms and policies that strengthen the institutional framework.

Morin as an eminent thinker.

The historian stressed that Gomez Morin was a man of forward thinking, deeply influenced by his friendship with Jose Vasconcelos, another giant of mexican thinking. Krauze remembered how Gomez Morin and Vasconcelos shared their commitment with education and culture, aspects they both considered fundamental for the country’s transformation.

The vision of Gómez Morín

A particularly moving aspect of the lecture was when Krauze addressed the sense of guilt that plagued Gómez Morin during his time abroad in crucial years of the Mexican Revolution. Even though he was far from his home country, he felt deeply affected by the events that developed in Mexico and experience a sense of impotence for not being able to contribute directly in these decisive moments. However, this feeling prompted him to come back with renewed vigor and dedicate to the build of a fairer and more organized Mexico, focusing on the creation of federal institutions and on reforming key policies, like the tax restructuring, the social security law and agricultural reforms.

Morín as predecent of the reforms

Krauze also emphasized in Gomez Morin’s “1915” essay, where he called upon his generation to found the political party that counteracted the autocracy that dominated our nation’s government at that time. This work reflect his firm belief in Mexico’s need for a deep change to overcome recurring crisis and work towards a more stable and prosper future. Although the reforms proposed by Gomez Morin where not implemented immediately, his work prepared the ground for the political changes that would eventually transform the nation.

Gomez Morin’s ideals that have an impact to this day

Enrique Krauze ended his intervention stressing that, although Gómez Morin was a man of liberal ideas who challenged the political currents of his time, his legacy continues to be relevant to this day. His vision of an institutionalized Mexico and his fight for a strong political opposition have left an indelible mark on the country’s history. The conference at ITAM not only celebrated the life and work of Manuel Gómez Morin, but also serve as a reminder of his ideas in the building of a more fair and equitable México.

This event at ITAM reinforces the commitment the institute has with the promotion of critical thinking and historical analysis, offering a platform for reflection on key figures, like Gómez Morin, whose contributions continue to shape México’s future and present.

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