Fidel Castro’s ‘Palabras a los Intelectuales’ marks 60 years

On the 60th anniversary of the famous ‘Palabras a los Intelectuales’ speech, discussions have emerged regarding the role of intellectuals as organizers rather than mere academics. Drawing on the theories of Antonio Gramsci, the concept defines intellectuals as those who perform organizational functions across economic, political, cultural, and administrative fields.

Fidel Castro’s 1961 address invited Cuban artists and writers to join the revolutionary cause, emphasizing that the interests of the intellectual should align with the oppressed and exploited classes. The speech established a framework where beauty, nobility, and utility are measured by their benefit to the people.