Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

12 O viedo | C ampoamor T heatre | Times of crisis also force us to redefine projects and ways of living. It is during difficult times when people must express the stature of their ideals, their lucidity and their great spirit most clearly. Let us afford greater vigour and drive to our public life. Let us renew our behaviour and change our attitudes. Let us once more generate excitement and trust in projects that unite and bring us closer and closer together. The path requires our institutions to be strengthened so that they can structure the solutions society seeks and demands. However, we must also seek moderation where there has been excess; ethics where there has been abuse so as to act realistically, courageously and scrupulously on the basis of integrity, effort and the culture of a job well done. Let us stand together to strengthen these convictions and take advantage at this time to channel all our capacities more efficiently. The major progress made in recent decades thanks to the contribution of Spanish society as a whole and, especially, past generations, must spur us on now towards the future. Because these generations taught the younger ones —and the whole world— how they did it. Ortega y Gasset said that it is only possible to advance when one looks far ahead and it is only possible to progress when one thinks big. We Spaniards of today have it in our hands to show that we have not only learned that great lesson of national responsibility, but that we can once more be an example of aptitude, self-improvement and greatness. They did. I am convinced that we who believe in the great reality of Spain can once more achieve it. Have no doubts regarding this. I certainly do not. Thank you. “Moreover, through the example of our Laureates, we foster the idea that a freer humanity, devoid of injustice or violence, is possible.” 22 nd O ctober 2010