Miguel de Unamuno – 19th–20th century Spanish writer, philosopher, and essayist, author of Mist and Saint Manuel Bueno, Martyr, a key figure of the “Generation of ’98.” His works explore existential doubt, the search for faith, and human tragedy. Unamuno became a symbol of Spain’s spiritual unrest and a critic of dictatorship.
📖 Unamuno coined the term “nivola” for his experimental novels. 🎓 Served as rector of the University of Salamanca, repeatedly removed for his political stances. 💡 His philosophy centred on the “tragic sense of life” – caught between mortality and the longing for immortality. 🌍 Blended Spanish tradition with influences from Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, and Pascal. 🖋 Wrote essays on Spain’s identity crisis after the loss of its colonies. 💔 Under Franco’s regime he was silenced; his famous words: “You will win, but you will not convince.” 🏛 A museum dedicated to him stands in Salamanca. 😂 Fun fact: he joked that if given the choice between heaven and a library, he’d choose the library.