“The characteristic feature of modernity is criticism: what is new is set over and against what is old, and it is this constant contrast that constitutes the continuity of tradition.”

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.