Ricardo Rojas

Ricardo Rojas[1†]

Ricardo Rojas (16 September 1882, in Tucumán – 29 July 1957, in Buenos Aires) was an Argentine journalist and writer[1†]. He came from one of the most influential families of the Santiago del Estero Province; his father was Absalón Rojas, who was governor of the province[1†]. Rojas devoted his entire life to the promotion of cultural nationalism[1†][2†]. He was the preeminent Argentine cultural nationalist and played a key role in the growth and development of this phenomena[2†]. He was also the rector of the University of Buenos Aires from 1926 to 1930[1†].

Early Years and Education

Ricardo Rojas was born on September 16, 1882, in Tucumán, Argentina[2†]. He was the son of Absalón Rojas, who served as the governor of the Santiago del Estero Province[2†]. This influential family background played a significant role in shaping Rojas’s early life and future career.

Rojas’s early education and upbringing were deeply rooted in the cultural and historical traditions of Argentina. This early exposure to Argentine history and traditions helped form his national “consciousness” and laid the foundation for his future work as a cultural nationalist[2†][3†].

Rojas was not just a product of his family’s influence but also of the broader intellectual and cultural movements of his time. The early twentieth century was a turning point in Argentine intellectual history, witnessing the emergence of an intellectual and cultural movement opposed to what its proponents saw as the excessive cosmopolitanism of Argentine society[2†][4†]. This period saw the rise of cultural nationalists like Rojas, who believed that foreign influences and the growing immigrant population posed a threat to the nation[2†][4†].

Rojas and his contemporaries, primarily from prominent provincial families, shared a belief that the Argentine ‘personality’ was on the verge of disappearing. They called for the defense of the nation’s authentic culture and traditions[2†][4†]. This belief system, coupled with his family’s influence, played a crucial role in shaping Rojas’s educational path and his future career as a cultural nationalist.

Career Development and Achievements

Ricardo Rojas’s career is marked by his dedication to cultural nationalism and his significant contributions to Argentine intellectual history[5†]. He was a prolific writer and journalist, and his works played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of Argentina in the early 20th century[5†].

Rojas’s career began in journalism, where he used his platform to promote cultural nationalism[5†]. His writings were characterized by a deep love for Argentina and a strong belief in the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage[5†]. His journalistic work was widely recognized for its intellectual rigor and its passionate defense of Argentine culture[5†].

In addition to his work as a journalist, Rojas was also a respected academic. He served as the rector of the University of Buenos Aires from 1926 to 1930[5†]. During his tenure, he implemented a number of reforms aimed at promoting cultural nationalism within the university[5†]. These reforms included the introduction of new courses on Argentine history and culture, as well as initiatives to promote research into Argentine cultural heritage[5†].

Rojas’s contributions to Argentine intellectual history were not limited to his work as a journalist and academic. He was also a prolific writer, and his books played a crucial role in shaping the cultural nationalism movement[5†]. His most famous work, “La restauración nacionalista” (The Nationalist Restoration), is considered a seminal text in the field of cultural nationalism[5†].

Throughout his career, Rojas received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to Argentine culture and intellectual history[5†]. Despite his many achievements, Rojas remained deeply committed to his belief in the importance of cultural nationalism. His life and work serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the preservation of Argentine culture[5†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Ricardo Rojas was a prolific author, with works spanning various genres and themes. His writings reflect his deep commitment to Argentine cultural nationalism[2†]. Here are some of his main works:

• Victoria del Hombre (1903): This was one of Rojas’ earliest works[2†][1†].
• El país de la Selva (1907): This work reflects Rojas’ deep connection with the natural world[2†][1†].
• Cartas de Europa (1908): In this collection of letters, Rojas shares his observations and experiences from his travels in Europe[2†][1†].
• El Alma Española (1908): This work explores the Spanish soul and its influence on Argentine culture[2†][1†].
• Cosmópolis (1908): In this work, Rojas explores the concept of a cosmopolitan city[2†][1†].
• La Restauración Nacionalista (1909): This work is a reflection of Rojas’ commitment to Argentine cultural nationalism[2†][1†].
• Bibliografía de Sarmiento (1911): This is a bibliography of the works of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, an Argentine statesman, educator, journalist, and writer[2†][1†].
• Los Lises del Blasón (1911) and Blasón de Plata (1912): These works reflect Rojas’ interest in heraldry[2†][1†].
• Archivo Capitular de Jujuy (1913/1944): This work is a compilation of documents from the Chapter Archive of Jujuy[2†][1†].
• La Universidad de Tucumán (1915): This work is a history of the University of Tucumán[2†][1†].
• La Argentinidad (1916): This work explores the concept of Argentine identity[2†][1†].

Each of these works contributed to Rojas’ reputation as a leading figure in Argentine cultural nationalism[2†]. His writings continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth and insight[2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Ricardo Rojas was a significant figure in Argentine cultural nationalism[6†]. His works, which spanned various genres and themes, were deeply rooted in his commitment to this ideology[6†]. Rojas’ writings were not just expressions of his own beliefs, but they also sought to shape and influence the cultural identity of Argentina[6†].

Rojas’ works, such as “Victoria del Hombre”, “El país de la Selva”, and “La Restauración Nacionalista”, among others, are considered important contributions to Argentine literature[6†][7†]. His writings reflect a deep understanding of the Argentine identity and a strong commitment to its preservation and promotion[6†].

Rojas’ influence extended beyond his writings. As the rector of the University of Buenos Aires, he played a key role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Argentina[6†][7†]. His tenure at the university is remembered for his efforts to promote cultural nationalism[6†].

Rojas’ work has been the subject of various analyses and evaluations. For instance, his views on happiness and life satisfaction have been compared with those of other theorists[6†][8†]. In one study, Rojas’ Conceptual referent-theory, which predicts that cognitive evaluation will be more important in the estimation of happiness, was supported over Veenhoven’s Need-theory, which holds that affective experience dominates the overall evaluation of life[6†][8†].

In conclusion, Ricardo Rojas was a pivotal figure in Argentine cultural nationalism. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth and insight[6†]. His legacy, as a writer and as an intellectual, continues to be felt in Argentina today[6†].

Personal Life

Ricardo Rojas led a life that was as rich and varied as his professional career. Despite his many accomplishments in the field of literature and education, he remained a private individual, with few details of his personal life widely known[5†].

However, it is known that Rojas was deeply committed to his family and his home province of Santiago del Estero. His father, Absalón Rojas, was a prominent figure in the province, serving as its governor[5†]. This familial connection to public service may have influenced Rojas’ own dedication to cultural nationalism and education[5†][9†].

Rojas’ personal philosophy was deeply intertwined with his work, as he believed in the power of culture and education to shape a nation’s identity[5†][9†]. This belief was not only reflected in his writings but also in his personal interactions and contributions to his community[5†][9†].

Despite his many responsibilities and commitments, Rojas found time for personal interests and hobbies. He was known to be an avid reader and had a deep appreciation for the arts[5†]. His love for his country and its culture was evident not only in his professional work but also in his personal life[5†][9†].

Rojas passed away on July 29, 1957, in Buenos Aires[5†]. His legacy continues to live on through his many contributions to Argentine literature and education[5†][9†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Ricardo Rojas left an indelible mark on Argentine literature and education. His commitment to cultural nationalism and his belief in the power of education to shape a nation’s identity have had a lasting impact[10†]. His work continues to be studied and admired, and his influence can be seen in the ongoing efforts to promote cultural nationalism in Argentina[10†].

Rojas’ legacy is not limited to his professional achievements. He is remembered as a gentle, caring man who was honorable, compassionate, loyal, and well-versed[10†][11†]. His dedication to his family, his community, and his country is a testament to his character[10†][12†][10†].

Despite his passing in 1957, Rojas’ work and ideals continue to resonate today[10†][12†]. His contributions to Argentine literature and education have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence[10†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Ricardo Rojas was born on 16 September 1882 in Tucumán, Argentina[13†].
• Died: He passed away on 29 July 1957 in Buenos Aires, Argentina[13†].
• Nationality: Argentine[13†].
• Occupation: Rojas was an intellectual, historian, educator, and writer[13†]. He served as the rector of the University of Buenos Aires from 1926 to 1930[13†][2†] and was also the director of the Institute of Petroleum[13†][2†].
• Notable Works: Rojas was a prolific writer with over thirty books to his name[13†][2†]. His monumental work, “Historia de la literatura Argentina”, is as much an exegesis of Argentine culture as a remarkable account of Argentine literature from colonial times to the modern period[13†].
• Notable Achievements: Rojas played a key role in the growth and development of cultural nationalism in Argentina[13†][2†]. He founded the Instituto de Literatura Argentina in 1922 and served as its inspiration and guiding force for twenty-five years[13†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Ricardo Rojas (writer) [website] - link
2. Duke University Press - Hispanic American Historical Review - Ricardo Rojas and the Emergence of Argentine Cultural Nationalism [website] - link
3. Duke University Press - Hispanic American Historical Review - The Intellectual Background of the 1918 University Reform in Argentina [website] - link
4. JSTOR - Imagining "El Ser Argentino": Cultural Nationalism and Romantic Concepts of Nationhood in Early Twentieth-Century Argentina [website] - link
5. Wikipedia (English) - Ricardo Rojas (footballer, born 1974) [website] - link
6. ORCID - Ricardo Hernández Rojas (0000-0002-3055-2151) [website] - link
7. eLife - Development and evaluation of a machine learning-based in-hospital COVID-19 disease outcome predictor (CODOP): A multicontinental retrospective study [website] - link
8. Springer Link - Contentment and Affect in the Estimation of Happiness [website] - link
9. Us Weekly - Celebrity Hairstylist Ricardo Rojas Teases ‘And Just Like That’ Role [website] - link
10. Legacy.com - Ricardo Rojas Obituary [website] - link
11. Legacy.com - Ricardo Rojas Obituary [website] - link
12. Legacy.com - Ricardo Rojas Obituary [website] - link
13. Encyclopedia.com - Rojas, Ricardo (1882–1957) [website] - link