In memory of Florestan Fernandes

Abstract

Florestan Fernandes faced many battles and struggles during his fruitful life. In recent years, although physically weakened by an illness - cirrhosis of the liver caused by a contaminated blood transfusion - which required constant medical care, Florestan never laid down his weapons. His virtue consisted in openly defying bad luck, opposing it with the lucidity of his combative spirit and the strength of his moral integrity. The illness did not silence the passionate defense of the ideas that would constitute the very reason for his existence. A newspaper report reports that, a few days before his death, upon entering the operating room, with a weak but serene voice, Florestan testified: "What keeps me alive is the flame of socialism that is within me."