Perspective

Octavio Paz, a winner of the Nobel Prize for Labyrinth of Solitude, wrote this book some 50 years ago due to the influences experienced during his childhood. When he was a child his father joined revolution. He and his mother had to go and stay with his grandfather. He had to leave the city and grow up in a village. He also changed where he stayed, living in Los Angeles for a short time.

Paz was critical of communism as well as American materialism. His point of view hence involves another, a third way of solving Mexican problems that needs to start with becoming aware of who they are.

His point of view blends perspectives that include European, American, and Aztec views of life. He treats Indian roots with legitimacy and admiration. His view is both personal and historical. Apart from cliches ingrained in Mexican people that show them...