Liberty and Character | Inaugural Address 2025

Luisa Marroquín  | 20 de febrero de 2025  | Vistas: 120

Vice President Roberto Quevedo, welcomed students, faculty, and distinguished guests to the 2025 inaugural address, Liberty and Character, held at Universidad Francisco Marroquín. The keynote speaker, Lawrence W. Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, explored the intricate relationship between liberty and individual character. The event highlighted the institution's unwavering commitment to the principles of economic freedom and responsibility.

Lawrence W. Reed began his speech by recalling his memories with Manuel F. Ayau, founder of UFM, whom he described as a beloved member of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). He highlighted Ayau's significant impact, emphasizing that this year marks the centennial of his birth. Reed portrayed Ayau as a central figure in the creation of the university, admired for his wisdom and ability to inspire those around him. He remarked that having an institution like UFM is a remarkable tribute to Ayau’s enduring legacy.

Reed emphasized that liberty is indispensable to human flourishing, highlighting how societies that embrace economic and personal freedom consistently experience higher levels of prosperity, innovation, and generosity. However, he cautioned against defining liberty solely through the lens of material abundance.

Liberty and character are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other."

Moving beyond the economic benefits of liberty, Reed delved into the crucial role of character in sustaining a free society. He argued that personal virtues such as honesty, responsibility, and intellectual humility are foundational to preserving liberty. Through historical examples and personal anecdotes, he illustrated how a society that loses its moral compass inevitably risks losing its freedom.

Reed also underscored that liberty, while essential, is not self-sustaining; it requires individuals committed to upholding and defending it. He warned against complacency, stating that history is filled with examples of civilizations that faltered when virtue and responsibility were neglected. Drawing from both classical and contemporary sources, he reinforced that character is a necessity, influencing stability and prosperity for everyone.

Expressing gratitude is one of the cheapest least expensive ways to improve not only your life, but the lives of others you come into contact with."

Reed also highlighted the importance of courage, gratitude, and optimism, linking these traits to historical figures who have shaped the course of human liberty. Finally, he concluded with an inspiring call to view personal character not only as an individual virtue but as a societal necessity.

It's a cardinal rule in the study of history that a country who loses their character will sooner or later lose their liberty."