Democratic manifesto

Abstract

Why reedit this book written in the late 1950s and published in Spanish in the 1960s? Why republish it precisely in this decade whose first half saw the victory of democratic ideals in almost a dozen countries, reducing to an all-time low those that have yet to endure a totalitarian regime of any kind?
It is human history itself that answers this question through the multiple examples of destruction of the most advanced societies by others. As the author of this book says, "democracy once realized must forbid itself, fall into complacency and the temptation to believe that it has reached the limits of social prowess and the end of all action." Consequently, "... some will see with desanthing that it will forever be necessary to fight, fight and defend what has already been won. But life and history have never been any other way." This book should contribute both to strengthening newly acquired democracy and to serving as a memento to countries with long-established democratic experience.
Brilliantly introduced by Adolf A. Berle Jr., the text speaks for itself and does not need particular epithet. However, many readers will probably want to know more about its author, to have such an explanation of the two main virtues of this book consisting of a complete, patient and clear account of the current state and the prospects of democracy, and in a style, of evocative and irresistible perfection.