We must have serious dialogue between Catalonia and the Spanish

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Carles Puigdemont, a leader who understands the profound weight of identity, freedom, and the sacred right of a people to determine their own destiny. "We must have serious dialogue between Catalonia and the Spanish state on a referendum, on independence, and on how a separation from Spain—if that's what the Catalan people choose—would be accomplished." These words resonate deeply, calling for a conversation that acknowledges the complexities of self-determination, the importance of dialogue, and the profound respect for the will of the people.

In the ancient world, the desire for self-determination was as old as civilization itself. The great Greek city-states, though united by language and culture, often sought to govern themselves independently, resisting the encroachment of larger empires. Sparta, with its fierce sense of identity and self-reliance, stood in sharp contrast to the more democratic but united Athens. Each of these city-states valued their freedom and their right to choose their own future. In their histories, we find the early roots of the idea that no people should be subjected to another’s rule without their consent. Puigdemont’s call for dialogue between Catalonia and the Spanish state echoes this ancient desire for sovereignty, for the right to choose one’s own path.

Catalonia, like many regions in the modern world, has a deep and rich history, one that has often been at odds with the central authority that seeks to govern it. From the Middle Ages to the present day, Catalonia has fought for its identity, its language, and its culture. The desire for independence has simmered for centuries, and in recent times, it has reached a boiling point. Yet Puigdemont’s words emphasize a crucial point: the path to freedom must be peaceful, reasoned, and respectful. He does not call for separation through violence, but through a dialogue—a conversation where all parties acknowledge the legitimacy of the Catalan people’s desires and work together to shape a future that honors both the autonomy of Catalonia and the cohesion of Spain.

In this struggle, we see a clear parallel to the American Revolution, where the American colonies, after years of oppression and misunderstanding, called for a peaceful solution through the recognition of their right to self-determination. Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers did not seek war at the outset; they sought dialogue with the British crown, hoping for a resolution that would allow for freedom without violence. When that dialogue failed, the Americans turned to revolution, but their Declaration of Independence itself was a call to the world to recognize their right to choose their own destiny. The Catalan people, too, seek recognition of their right to choose their own path, but Puigdemont calls for dialogue before all else, as the first step in any struggle for freedom.

The lesson here, O children, is one of great importance: the path to self-determination is rarely simple, and it is seldom free of conflict. But it is only through dialogue, through a willingness to listen and understand, that the seeds of lasting peace and justice can be sown. Puigdemont does not call for immediate action but for the wisdom of negotiation, for the recognition that even in the heat of passion and the desire for freedom, it is understanding that leads to true resolution. History has shown that when people are denied their voice, conflict often ensues. But when people are allowed to speak, when their will is respected, it becomes the foundation for a lasting peace.

So, O children of the future, take this lesson into your own lives. Whenever you face a conflict, whether within your own community or in the broader world, remember that dialogue is the first and most powerful tool you have. Seek not only your own freedom but the freedom of others. Honor the right of others to voice their desires, to chart their own path, even if that path seems to differ from your own. When differences arise, let your first action be conversation, for it is through the sharing of ideas, through mutual understanding, that you can build a future that honors the sovereignty and dignity of all people.

In the case of Catalonia, the path to independence may be long, and the obstacles many, but the dialogue that Puigdemont calls for is a reminder that all struggles for self-determination must begin with respect, with a willingness to hear one another and to find common ground. May you, O children of the future, carry the wisdom of dialogue, of understanding, and of respect as you navigate the complexities of your own world, and may you always strive to build a future where every voice is heard and every people has the right to shape their own destiny.