Mauricio Tragtenberg - A Life for the Humanities

A Biography of a Visionary Scholar and Activist

By Doris Accioly e Silva and Sonia Alem Marrach

Introduction

Mauricio Tragtenberg was a Brazilian scholar, activist, and public intellectual who made significant contributions to the fields of education, culture, and social justice. This biography tells the story of his life and work, from his early years in Rio de Janeiro to his influential role in shaping Brazilian society.

Early Life and Education

Mauricio Tragtenberg was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1929. He grew up in a politically active family and was exposed to a wide range of ideas and influences from an early age. He attended the University of Brazil, where he studied law and social sciences.

Academic Career

After graduating from university, Tragtenberg began his academic career as a professor of law at the University of Brasília. He quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant scholar and a passionate advocate for social justice. He also became involved in the student movement of the 1960s, which was fighting for democratic reforms and an end to military dictatorship in Brazil.

Exile and Return

In 1964, Tragtenberg was forced into exile by the military dictatorship. He spent the next 15 years living in Europe and the United States, where he continued his academic work and activism. He also became involved in international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Council of Churches, where he worked to promote human rights and social justice.

Return to Brazil

In 1979, Tragtenberg returned to Brazil after the end of the military dictatorship. He resumed his academic career and became a leading voice in the debate over education reform. He also founded the Centro Brasileiro de Estudos Latino-Americanos (CEBELA), a research center dedicated to the study of Latin American culture and society.

Later Work and Legacy

In the later years of his life, Tragtenberg continued to work tirelessly for social justice and human rights. He was a prolific writer and speaker, and he published numerous books and articles on education, culture, and politics. He also served as a consultant to the Brazilian government and to international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations.

Mauricio Tragtenberg died in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. He left behind a legacy of scholarship, activism, and public service that continues to inspire people around the world.

Conclusion

Mauricio Tragtenberg was a visionary scholar and activist who made a significant contribution to Brazilian society. This biography tells the story of his life and work, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Brazil, education, and social justice.