Ariel

by José Enrique Rodó

"Ariel" by José Enrique Rodó is an essay published in 1900. This brief philosophical work addresses Latin American youth through symbolic characters from Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Rodó warns against utilitarianism and "nordomania"—the imitation of North America—urging young people to preserve their spiritual values and cultural identity rooted in classical Greek ideals and Christianity. The essay critiques U.S. cultural dominance following the Spanish-American War and advocates for authentic democracy through education rather than material pursuit.