Michael J. Sandel 2018 Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences

Statement by Michael J. Sandel on being bestowed with the 2018 Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences

“I am deeply honored to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences. At a time when civil discourse and mutual respect face hard times around the world, the humanistic ideals for which the Princess of Asturias Foundation stands matter more than ever. I am proud to be associated with the Foundation's mission of promoting cultural understanding and pluralist ideals. The award is all the more meaningful given a close family connection to Spain. My wife Kiku Adatto comes from the Sephardic Jewish community that was expelled from Seville in 1492 but continued to speak Ladino and to regard Spain as their spiritual homeland. In recognition of this history, Spain recently invited Sephardic Jews around the world to apply for Spanish citizenship. I heard the news of the Princess of Asturias Award at the very moment when Kiku and our sons are preparing the documents to apply for Spanish citizenship. Receiving this award from Spain has a special meaning in light of my family's Sephardic heritage.”

Michael J. Sandel
Boston, 30th May 2018