Life
Where were you born?
I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, on February 28, 1882.
What important literary award did you receive for your philosophical works?
I received the National Prize for Literature in 1947
What educational institution did you run?
I was rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
What ideology did you defend?
Indigenism, that is, it valued indigenous culture and promoted national identity.
What was your role in education during the Revolution?
I promoted secular and free education, founding the Ministry of Public Education in 1921.
What did you study when you were young?
I studied law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
What honorary position did you occupy in the Mexican Academy of the Language?
Outstanding member of the Mexican Academy of the Language.
What was your contribution to Mexican culture?
I promoted the idea of a Mexican cultural identity through my work "The cosmic race", where I raise the fusion of different cultures
What was your legacy internationally?
I promoted Latin American cultural identity and Pan-Americanism, uniting the peoples of the region.
What where your thoughts during the Porfiriato?
Criticize the lack of attention to popular culture and elitism in Díaz's cultural policies.
How did your childhood influence your development?
I lived in Coahuila and being on the border with the United States allowed me to have a multicultural perspective.
What medal or award did you receive for your educational achievements in Mexico?
Medal of Honor of the Ministry of Public Education
What political party did you founded?
I was one of those who founded the National Anti-Reelection Party to end Porfirio Díaz's mandate
Which president hated you?
You might think it was Porfirio, but Venustiano Carranza was the one tried to chase me because I criticized him, making me to escape to USA.
What role did you play in Mexican politics?
I was a presidential candidate in 1929 and promoted progressive ideas
What role did you have in your family?
I was the son of Carmen Calderón Conde and Ignacio Vasconcelos Varela and I was the second of the couple's nine children
Did the schools recognize you in any way?
Yes, I received several honorary doctorates from international universities, recognizing my impact and contributions to education and culture
How did you impact the political sphere?
I was an influential politician and presidential candidate in 1929. Even if I don't manage to win.
What remarkable literary works did you write?
I wrote "The cosmic race" and "The Legacy of Mexico".
What Mexican artistic movement did you support?
Muralism, I promoted and supported muralism projects in public institutions.
When and where did you die?
I died on June 30, 1959 in Mexico City.
How were you recognized by the RAE?
Hispanic American Corresponding Individual in Mexico
How did you contribute to Mexican muralism?
I promoted and financed muralism projects in public buildings.
What did you have a great aversion to?
To number 13, so much so that being rector at UNAM, I ordered that there be no classroom with that number
What position did you take in your last years?
I became a militant of the extreme right.