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The work of the Institute [includes] the
scientific study of the languages and, simultaneously, of the
customs of the indigenous peoples, for the purpose of
understanding and, where possible, preserving parts of the old
and venerable civilizations from which we could learn much if
we looked to them in humility and with open minds, rather than
coming to them blinded by the vanity and pride which make us
believe in our racial superiority, a sin which even those
who have indigenous roots often fail to escape.
I have had occasion to closely follow the
activities of these studious and sincere young people of the
Instituto Lingüístico de Verano, since
William Townsend was
first introduced to me in the presence of General
Cárdenas, then President of the Republic, a quarter of a
century ago. The zeal, selflessness and self-sacrifice with
which they have worked, together with their scientific rigor in
learning and preserving the native languages, constitute, in my
opinion, an example of constructive and noble labor. But it is
more than that: it is an example of how relations between
people without common bonds can be founded upon understanding
and friendship. This is a most valuable lesson in this time
when growing incomprehension, mutual distrust and collective
selfishness are making world peace an impossibility.
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