Sociologist Manuel Castells: World on Path to Self-Destruction

Manuel Castells, born in Hellín, Albacete in 1942, is recognized as the world's most cited Spanish sociologist. He characterizes contemporary history as being full of paradoxes, which mirrors his own attempts to reconcile personal contradictions.

The intellectual maintains a complex set of beliefs and practices. He is an anarchist at heart who served as Minister of Universities, and he distrusts power structures while remaining a Catholic. Castells dedicated his major work, 'The Era of the Information,' to the internet, yet he does not use social networks. He calls for greater spirituality during periods of profound crisis.

Contemporary history is filled with paradoxes according to Manuel Castells. This observation aligns with his personal temperament and his efforts to conciliate his own contradictions.

His biography highlights several apparent contradictions:

• He is an intellectual who participated in the barricades of the May 1968 events in France
• He identifies as an anarchist but served as Minister of Universities
• He wrote a visionary trilogy about the internet but does not use social networks
• He distrusts power structures yet is Catholic

Castells is widely recognized as the Spanish sociologist most cited globally. His work has established him as a leading intellectual figure.

He authored the trilogy 'The Era of the Information', which is described as visionary. This major work was dedicated to the internet and will soon mark its 30th anniversary. Despite this dedication to internet studies, Castells does not personally use social media platforms.

The Catalan intellectual argues that the world is currently in a process of self-destruction. This assessment comes from his analysis of global contemporary events.

In response to this crisis, Castells claims there is a need for greater spirituality. He positions this spiritual requirement as essential during times of deep crisis, suggesting that current global conditions demand more than just material or technical solutions.

Manuel Castells was born in Hellín, located in the province of Albacete, in 1942. He is identified as a Catalan intellectual who has maintained his vital temperament despite his advanced age.

His career has spanned both academic and political spheres. He has maintained his position as an intellectual while engaging directly with political structures, most notably through his service as a government minister.