“A society is defined as much by how it comes to terms with its past as by its attitude toward the future: its memories are no less revealing than its aims.”

Mexican poet, philosopher, and diplomat

Octavio Paz Lozano was a Mexican poet, philosopher, and diplomat. He is best known for his body of work, which brought him major international recognition across literature and ideas. His career bridged poetry, thought, and public service. He received the Jerusalem Prize in 1977, the Miguel de Cervantes Prize in 1981, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1982, and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990.