DE EVARISTO DE MORAES À ERIKA HILTON: A HISTÓRIA DE UMA ESQUERDA DECADENTE

Introduction and Context

Opening Remarks

• Boa noite, pessoal. The speaker greets the audience and checks if they can hear and see him well. He engages with the audience by asking if they are alive and happy, referencing a recent sports event involving Fluminense and Sport Clube Internacional.

Sports References

• The speaker reminisces about past football moments, specifically mentioning Ener Valência's impact on his favorite team, Sport Clube Internacional, which won against Inter de Milão in the Dubai Cup. He reflects on fond memories from 2008.

Main Topic Introduction

Transition to Main Subject

• The discussion shifts towards Evaristo de Moraes and Érica Híton, focusing on the theme of a "decadent left" through their biographies. The speaker clarifies that he will not analyze Érica Híton but will present Evaristo de Moraes for comparison by the audience.

Promotional Segment

Book Promotion

• The speaker introduces four books available at a promotional price until July 3rd, emphasizing his authorship or curation of these works. He encourages viewers to purchase them as valuable resources for understanding Brazilian history.

Recommended Reading

• Specific recommendations include:

• Monteiro Lobato: Brief mention.

• Paulo Freire: Discussed in terms of deconstruction.

• Pedro Calmon's History of Brazil: Suggested as an essential starting point for understanding Brazilian history due to its comprehensive nature.

Upcoming Lecture

Focus on Graciliano Ramos

• An upcoming lecture is announced regarding "São Bernardo," a significant novel by Graciliano Ramos, highlighting the speaker's deep influence from this author and previous lectures conducted on this topic since 2020. He expresses concern over potential censorship of literature like Ramos' work in future discussions about literary relevance.

Evaristo de Moraes Discussion

Purpose of Discussion

• The speaker articulates his intent behind discussing Evaristo de Moraes—not merely to capitalize on current trends surrounding Érica Híton but to honor and revive interest in Evaristo’s legacy amidst declining recognition following the closure of Clube Rebolsas where he previously published works related to Moraes’ contributions to Brazilian history.

Key Works Highlighted

• Three notable publications edited by the speaker are mentioned:

• A Campanha Abolicionista

• A Escravidão Africana no Brasil

• A Extinção do Tráfico de Escravos no Brasil

These works are positioned as crucial texts for understanding Brazil's abolitionist movement, with particular emphasis placed on "A Campanha Abolicionista" as potentially the best book on this subject matter today.

Historical Significance

• The date May 13th is highlighted as pivotal in human history—the day slavery was abolished in Brazil—reflecting personal sentiment towards its importance within historical narratives discussed throughout his academic journey focused on Brazilian history. This date symbolizes victory over oppression according to the speaker’s perspective influenced by Evaristo de Moraes' writings about abolitionism in Brazil.

Discussion on Historical Context and Memory

The Importance of Expanding Historical Understanding

• The speaker emphasizes the need to expand rather than diminish historical themes, aiming to deepen the debate and broaden consciousness.

• They argue that historians should not suppress documents or evidence to fit preconceived notions, advocating for an honest representation of history.

Personal Commitment to Historical Figures

• The speaker highlights their dedication to preserving the memory of significant historical figures, such as Valício de Mores, a notable black abolitionist whose legacy was neglected.

• They assert their personal involvement in maintaining Mores' tomb, reinforcing their commitment to expanding understanding without creating false equivalences.

Proportionality in Historical Narratives

• Drawing from Saint Thomas Aquinas, the speaker discusses the concept of proportionality in historical events, stressing that different acts of violence or oppression must be understood within their specific contexts.

• They reference various forms of slavery discussed by Evaristo de Moraes and others, indicating a nuanced approach to understanding social hierarchies.

Engagement with Contemporary Discourse

• The speaker addresses criticisms regarding their affiliations with certain publications and expresses willingness to contribute as long as their voice remains intact.

• They humorously mention potential collaborations with political figures while emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in discourse.

Contributions to Publications and Historical Recovery

• The speaker shares excitement about writing for "Valete," intending to highlight notable Brazilian figures like Monteiro Lobato and Evaristo de Moraes through biographical recovery.

• Their goal is not merely commentary but a deeper exploration into Brazil's historical memory within contemporary discussions.

Call for Engagement and Support

• Acknowledging mixed reactions from audiences regarding his writings, the speaker encourages readers to engage with his work actively.

• They express a desire for dialogue around urgent issues related to national memory amidst rising revisionism.

Discussion on Evaristo de Moraes and Leftist Ideology

Critique of Conventional Historical Narratives

• The speaker expresses frustration with the overemphasis on well-known historical figures in textbooks, suggesting a need to move beyond conventional narratives.

• References are made to Eduardo Bueno and Lurentino Gomes as examples of this saturation, indicating a desire for deeper exploration of lesser-known figures.

Introduction to Evaristo de Moraes

• Evaristo de Moraes is introduced as an important figure who should be more recognized in academic and popular discussions.

• The speaker contrasts Moraes with Luiz Carlos Prestes, questioning whether Prestes would align with contemporary language or ideologies.

Historical Context and Political Views

• Discussion includes the controversial support of Getúlio Vargas by Prestes, highlighting moral complexities in historical figures' legacies.

• The speaker identifies themselves as politically neutral ("isentão") while critiquing the left's representation through modern figures like Guilherme Boulos.

Themes of Decadence in Leftist Politics

• A provocative question is posed about whether the national left has always been represented by certain contemporary figures, leading into a discussion about ideological decay.

• The title for an upcoming article is revealed: "Evaristo de Moraes da Guilherme Bolos, a história de uma esquerda decadente," indicating a critical examination of leftist history.

Philosophical Insights on Political Identity

• Ortega y Gasset's philosophy is referenced to illustrate that both left and right political identities are complex and not easily defined.

• The speaker emphasizes that simplistic labels do not capture the nuances within political affiliations, advocating for a more sophisticated understanding.

Evaristo de Moraes' Legacy

• Evaristo de Moraes is portrayed as overlooked by both contemporary leftists who use modern jargon and rightists focused on populism rather than intellectual engagement.

• The speaker notes that only a small percentage (4%) of Brazilians recognize Moraes, underscoring his obscurity despite his significant contributions.

Evaristo de Morais: A Complex Figure in Brazilian History

Defending a Multifaceted Legacy

• Evaristo de Morais defended various prominent figures, including Isabel and Pedro I, while also being a founder of the socialist Partido Operário in 1890. This highlights his complex political stance as both a monarchist supporter and a republican advocate.

• The speaker emphasizes that Morais is difficult to classify politically, suggesting he chose an unconventional path by positioning himself outside common labels. This complexity adds depth to his legacy.

• Despite not agreeing with all of Morais's views, the speaker respects his courage for taking such positions, indicating that understanding historical figures requires acknowledging their complexities.

Rescuing Historical Context

• The speaker aims to increase awareness about Evaristo de Morais through accessible editions of his work, noting that they previously published it at a significantly lower price than market value to democratize access.

• The goal is to expand the audience's understanding of Morais; even if only 10% gain new insights from the discussion, it would be considered a success. This reflects an educational mission behind the presentation.

Early Life and Education

• Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1871, Evaristo was educated by his mother before attending São Bento College where he excelled academically and became an assistant teacher at just 16 years old. His early education laid the foundation for his future endeavors in journalism and law.

• After facing family hardship when his father abandoned them, Evaristo took on responsibilities at a young age by working as a journalist and tutor while engaging with republican groups during Brazil's transition away from slavery.

Witnessing Historical Change

• On May 13, 1888, Evaristo witnessed Joaquim Nabuco’s passionate declaration marking the end of slavery in Brazil—a pivotal moment that shaped his views on social justice and reform within the republic context post-emancipation.

• Nabuco’s vision for social policies was left unfulfilled due to subsequent political upheaval following the republican coup—highlighting ongoing struggles faced by newly freed individuals during this transitional period in Brazilian history.

Legal Career Beginnings

• Evaristo began practicing law shortly after witnessing significant historical events; he made his debut at the Tribunal do Júri in 1894 at age 23 after starting legal studies amidst active involvement in social causes like abolitionism and republicanism.

• Notably, he defended his father two years later against serious charges—an act laden with personal significance that illustrates both familial loyalty and professional integrity amid societal pressures surrounding legal proceedings at that time.

Evaristo de Moraes: A Pioneering Defense Attorney

Early Career and Notable Cases

• Evaristo de Moraes delivered an exceptional defense during a trial, emotionally engaging the jury with his personal testimony about being abandoned by his father, leading to the father's acquittal.

• Before graduating in law from Teixeira de Freitas College in 1916, he took on significant criminal cases, including defending Luiz Lacerda, the son of a prominent scientist.

• His defense of Lacerda was notable as it involved representing the child of an advocate for racial immigration policies while being a Black man himself.

• De Moraes gained legal prestige and later defended Dilermando de Assis, who was accused of murdering writer Euclides da Cunha in a highly publicized case.

• The murder case occurred in 1911 and highlighted themes of love and betrayal; De Moraes successfully argued for self-defense based on circumstances surrounding the incident.

Legal Strategies and Impact

• De Moraes's argument centered around claims that Euclides invaded Dilermando's home armed after discovering an affair with his wife, which contributed to his acquittal.

• He also defended journalist Gilberto Amado, who killed poet Aníbal Teófilo; this case further established De Moraes's reputation as a skilled attorney.

• Another significant case involved defending rebellious sailors during the Revolta da Chibata in the 1910s alongside other prominent lawyers like Jerônimo de Carvalho.

• He represented João Cândido, known as "the Black Admiral," without accepting fees due to Cândido’s symbolic status within the movement against oppression.

Personal Life and Political Engagement

• Evaristo married Maria Amélia in 1894 but became widowed; he remarried in 1912 and had several children who followed him into academia and journalism.

• His son Evaristo de Morais Filho became an influential jurist and member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, contributing significantly to socialist literature.

• In 1910, he criticized accusations against sailors during Revolta da Chibata as trivial compared to their treatment akin to slavery; this reflected his commitment to social justice issues.

Political Activism

• Engaging politically during pivotal historical moments such as World War I and the Russian Revolution led him to help establish Brazil's Socialist Party in 1917.

• He ran for federal deputy shortly after founding the party; however, he faced imprisonment under President Artur Bernardes for opposing authoritarian governance.

• His experiences highlight both personal sacrifice and broader struggles for freedom within Brazilian society amidst political turmoil.

Evaristo de Moraes: A Socialist Advocate

Early Political Involvement

• Evaristo de Moraes was a leftist aligned with the socialist possibilism movement, advocating for workers' rights through strikes and union freedoms as tools for social change.

• He played a significant role in founding the Brazilian Socialist Party three years later, taking full responsibility for its manifesto program.

• De Moraes also founded the Democratic Party of Rio and supported the Liberal Alliance, which contributed to Vargas's rise to power during the 1930 revolution.

Ministerial Role and Contributions

• Following his political engagements, he joined the Ministry of Labor under Lindolfo Color from 1931 to 1932, where he worked on labor laws.

• After leaving the ministry, he dedicated nearly a decade to his career as a lawyer and intellectual before passing away in 1939.

Academic Achievements

• De Moraes was appointed as a lecturer in criminal law at the University of Brazil and co-founded the Brazilian Society of Criminology.

• He authored over 200 articles and several books addressing various topics including prostitution, juvenile delinquency, labor rights, and abolitionism.

Notable Works

• His writings covered diverse themes such as:

• The moral implications of Jesuit practices,

• Workers' compensation,

• The abolition of slavery in Brazil,

• Historical analyses on parliamentary history and anarchism within jury trials.

Legacy and Current Discussions

• De Moraes is recognized for his contributions to abolitionist literature; one notable work is considered essential reading on this subject.

• During a Q&A session, he discussed students creating a cultural analysis magazine focused on Brazilian themes.

• Emphasizing preparation for launching their first volume, he highlighted that students should ensure they are ready for ongoing commitments associated with publishing.