Teachers and friends, writers and bosses, lovers and heroes –I lovingly remember and honor the gifts you shared.
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First there were my teachers.
Hermides, my Spanish teacher, who taught me to trust my mind.
Eduardo, my Physics teacher, who taught me to use my mind.
And Leonel, my Political Science teacher, who taught me to speak my mind.
Jaime, who gave me space to be less afraid of my quirks.
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Then there were my friends.
Pierre, who taught me kindness and hospitality.
Juan, who to this day still reminds me to check my progress against my goals.
Leonardo, who showed by example what authenticity looked like.
Jorge, who taught me to be freer, and to give thoughtful gifts.
Carlos, who led me to assert myself over imposed expectations.
Jaime, who gave me space to be less afraid of my quirks.
Luis, who was always available for late-night debates on the meaning of life.
Rafael, who embraced his geekiness in a way you can only be inspired to watch.
John, who gave me my first glimpse of what truly independent life could be.
Jean, who gave me the final push toward seeking my freedom and became my first roommate.
Santiago, who inspires me every day with his brilliant ideas and his success.
Felipe, who always has a cup of coffee and a good book.
Martin, who makes a convincing case that there’s always the possibility of a better life.
Germán, who quietly embodies the values that matter to me.
And (some of) my lovers.
Miguel, who brought me out of my bubble.
Gordon, who helped me to feel desirable without feeling self-conscious.
Carlos, who is the living image of respect and acceptance.
I read the Buddha and learned to tame myself.
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And there have been writers.
I read Jules Verne and wanted to do it better than him.
I read Isaac Asimov and learned that the universe was worth knowing.
I read the Buddha and learned to tame myself.
I read Henry David Thoreau and learned that there’s a lot of space for plenitude in a small life.
I read Owe Wikström and learned that there’s really no need to hurry.
I read David Foster Wallace and learned that there’s a risky side to trying to be too clever.
I read Charles Stross and learned to be consistent and clear in my writing.
I read Ken Follett and learned the proper importance of detail.
I read Kim Stanley Robinson and learned to forever distrust dystopias.
I read Edward Rutherfurd and learned that there’s no such thing as too much story.
I read Eliezer Yudkowsky and learned the importance of having something to protect.
And my heroes.
Inspector Gadget, who taught me to always have something up my sleeve.
Lion-O, who taught me that it’s not shameful to ask for help.
Captain Planet, who taught me that my actions have consequences.
Billy, the Blue Power Ranger, who taught me that intelligence can save the world.
The Doctor, who taught me that the worst pain can fuel a resolve for compassion.
Luis, the most human boss I’ve ever had.
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There were also my bosses.
Rafael, who showed me simpler alternatives to learning by trial and error.
Another Rafael, who believed 100% in my potential and was a refuge in times of doubt.
Sebastián, who taught me my work ethic and always demanded excellence.
César, who commanded sincere respect by his mere presence and inspired me to be better.
Luis, the most human boss I’ve had.
I have relied on so many men to build the man that I am for the same reason I haven’t mentioned my father and my brother. If I had only had their example to learn from, I wouldn’t even be the kind of man who feels moved to compile this list. I am better because I chose to look outwards, to men who are smarter and kinder and gentler and friendlier than me. You guys made me, and I love you all.
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Photo:Flickr/bp6316