Life of Dr. José Manuel Mestre

Vida del doctor don José Manuel Mestre is an anthology that compiles the most outstanding works of José Manuel Mestre, a Cuban lawyer and professor of the nineteenth century.
The works included in this anthology are varied and reflect Mestre’s rich and complex intellectual life. Since

• “Ideas about love” and
• “Algo sobre educación”, published in 1850 in the Industrial Lighthouse of Havana,
• to his reflections on philosophy in “Of Egoism”
• and his historical analysis in “The Century of Pericles”.

This anthology also includes a speech on “Intellectual Property” that Mestre defended to obtain his doctorate at the Havana Law School. As well as his study entitled “The brain and thought” and his fascinating study on “Prehistoric Anthropophagy”. The works stand out not only for Mestre’s intelligence and erudition, but also for his ability to connect ideas and discover new ways of thinking.
In addition to the essays, the anthology includes a series of letters that Mestre wrote to José Antonio Saco between 1862 and 1869. These letters offer a personal and detailed insight into Mestre’s life and thought during a period of profound change and challenge in Cuba.
Life of Dr. José Manuel Mestre is a tribute to José Manuel Mestre and his lasting legacy in the history of Cuba. His scholarship and commitment to reform and education are clearly present on every page. By publishing these works, the University of Havana not only honors Mestre’s memory, but also offers readers the opportunity to explore and learn from one of Cuba’s great thinkers.