Miguel Delibes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Miguel Delibes Setién
Miguel Delibes
Birth and Death Dates
1920-2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
Spanish novelist, journalist, and politician
Early Life and Background
Born in Valladolid, Spain on October 20, 1920, Miguel Delibes was the youngest of four children to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by a strong sense of social awareness, which would later influence his writing and activism. Delibes' father was an accountant, and the family lived in a small apartment above their business. This close-knit environment fostered a love for reading and storytelling within Delibes from an early age.
Growing up during the Spanish Civil War had a profound impact on Delibes' worldview. The brutal conflict, which ravaged his homeland from 1936 to 1939, instilled in him a deep respect for human life and a strong desire to promote social justice through his work. These formative experiences would shape Delibes' writing style and thematic preoccupations throughout his career.
Major Accomplishments
Delibes' literary output spanned over six decades, during which he published numerous novels, short stories, essays, and translations. His most notable works include:
Cinco horas con Mario (Five Hours with Mario), a novel that explores the complexities of human relationships through the story of an elderly man's final days.
La sombra del ciprés (The Shadow of the Cypress), a collection of short stories that delve into themes of love, loss, and social inequality.
Delibes' writing often focused on the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, making him one of the most beloved and respected Spanish authors of his time. His work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to captivate readers worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Delibes was committed to promoting social justice and human rights through his writing. He was an outspoken advocate for women's suffrage and a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes. In 1978, he was appointed as Spain's Minister of Culture, where he worked tirelessly to promote education, literature, and the arts.
Delibes' contributions extend beyond his literary achievements. He was a dedicated teacher and mentor, inspiring generations of writers and intellectuals through his lectures and workshops. His commitment to social responsibility and cultural exchange has left an indelible mark on Spanish society.
Impact and Legacy
Miguel Delibes' impact on Spanish literature is immeasurable. His work has been celebrated for its poetic prose, nuanced characterization, and exploration of universal themes. As a writer, he embodied the spirit of social consciousness, using his platform to advocate for marginalized communities and challenge oppressive systems.
Delibes' legacy extends beyond his literary output. He was a champion of education and cultural exchange, working tirelessly to promote understanding and empathy between people from diverse backgrounds. His dedication to social justice has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in activism, politics, and the arts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Miguel Delibes' words are still widely quoted today due to their timeless wisdom and poignant insight into the human condition. His writing continues to captivate readers with its lyricism, emotional depth, and unwavering commitment to social justice. As a writer, activist, and public servant, Delibes left an enduring impact on Spanish society and beyond.
Through his work, Delibes reminds us that literature has the power to inspire, educate, and challenge our assumptions about the world around us. His legacy serves as a testament to the transformative potential of storytelling, encouraging future generations to continue pushing boundaries and advocating for positive change.
Quotes by Miguel Delibes
Just tell me one boy, just one who at seven didn’t aspire to be a hero or a fireman.
Yo nací en Ávila, la vieja ciudad de las murallas, y creo que el silencio y el recogimiento casi místico de esta ciudad se me metieron en el alma nada más nacer.
Es algo que suele suceder con los muertos: lamentar no haberles dicho a tiempo cuánto los amabas, lo necesarios que te eran. Cuando alguien imprescindible se va de tu lado, vuelves los ojos a tu interior y no encuentras más que banalidad, porque los vivos, comparados con los muertos, resultamos insoportablemente banales.
El ahorro, cuando se hace a costa de una necesidad insatisfecha, ocasiona en los hombres acritud y encono.
—En el mundo —le dijo Mamá, y el cigarrillo se movía a compás de sus labios como si fuera un apéndice propio— hay personas absorbentes, que creen que sólo lo suyo merece respeto. Huye de ellas, Quico, como de la peste.
La vida era el peor tirano conocido. Cuando la vida le agarra a uno, sobra todo poder de decisión.
Para el que no tiene nada, la política es una tentación comprensible, porque es una manera de vivir con bastante facilidad
Los ricos siempre se encariñan, cuando son ricos, por el lugar donde antes han sido pobres. Parece ser esta la mejor manera de demostrar su cambio de posición y fortuna y el más viable procedimiento para sentirse felices al ver que otros que eran pobres siguen siendo pobres a pesar del tiempo.
