To narrate is to give oneself: it seems obvious that literature, as an effort to communicate fully, will continue to be blocked so long as misery and illiteracy exist, and so long as the possessors of power continue to carry on with impunity their policy of collective imbecilization through the mass media.
Eduardo GaleanoNothing can be defined or derided on the basis of its origin. The important thing is what is done with it and how far a community identifies with something that symbolizes its favourite way of dreaming, living, dancing, playing or loving. This is the positive side of the world: a constant intermingling that produces new responses to new challenges. But because of forced globalization, there's a clear trend these days towards uniformity. This trend comes largely from the ever-greater concentration of power in the hands of large media groups.
Eduardo GaleanoIn this world of ours, a world of powerful centers and subjugated outposts, there is no wealth that must not be held in some suspicion.
Eduardo GaleanoLatin America is part of the world which was for many years condemned to the system of power where intimidation had more strength than the vote.
Eduardo GaleanoFrom the point of view of the economy, the sale of weapons is indistinguishable from the sale of food. When a building collapses or a plane crashes, it?s rather inconvenient from the point of view of those inside, but it?s altogether convenient for the growth of the gross national product, which sometimes ought to be called the "gross criminal product."
Eduardo GaleanoThere are some writers who feel they are elected by God. I am not. I am elected by the devil - this is clear.
Eduardo GaleanoEach person shines with his or her own light. No two flames are alike. There are big flames and little flames, flames of every color. Some peopleโs flames are so still they donโt even flicker in the wind, while others have wild flames that fill the air with sparks. Some foolish flames neither burn nor shed light, but others blaze with life so fiercely that you canโt look at them without blinking, and if you approach you shine in the fire.
Eduardo Galeano