Spiritual revival

What’s your favorite time of day?

Every moment I breathe each day holds a special place in my heart. I cherish waking up and offering prayers of gratitude to the Divine for my existence. Sharing breakfast with my beloved wife, discussing world news, and delving into profound analyses enriches our bond. Teaching a class and witnessing eager minds absorb knowledge fills me with joy. Engaging in a game of pickleball with friends invigorates my body. Finally, the peaceful meditation before bed brings a sense of serenity to my soul. Every minute counts

What’s your favorite recipe?

I am happy ro share my recipe for life after 70: I aim to continually explore and deepen my understanding of my relationship with the Divine. I’m committed to nurturing a loving relationship with my wife, while also staying connected with my grown children, offering them guidance and assistance. As a dedicated economics professor, I’ll keep sharing my knowledge with the younger generation, fostering their growth. Learning to play the mandolin adds a harmonious note to my life, and attending concerts and operas regularly brings joy and inspiration. Reading books and watching videos about religion and philosophy further enriches my journey of self-discovery and wisdom.

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

Since surpassing one-third of a century in age, each day fills me with excitement as I share this exquisite planet and the vast universe with my fellow humans. The remarkable strides in science and technology, especially in the USA and Europe, are sources of enthusiasm. Furthermore, the recent achievement of an Indian spacecraft landing on the Moon’s South Pole instills hope for the burgeoning economies that used to be called the Underdeveloped world , never again thanks to my brothers and sisters in India

How would you design the city of the future?

Designing the city of the future should create sustainable, accessible, and technologically integrated spaces, to provide quality of life to their inhabitants. That would imply considerations for efficient public transportation, green infrastructure, smart technology, mixed land use, and community engagement. Renewable energy sources, waste reduction, and climate resilience should also be integrated into the city’s design. Flexibility to adapt to changing needs of future generations should ensure all their needs are provided.

Where did your name come from?

My name “Manuel” has origins in several cultures, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. It is derived from the Hebrew name “Immanuel,” meaning “God is with us.” My name carries a strong religious significance and has been used throughout history to express the idea of divine presence and protection. Over time, my name has become a popular name in various cultures particularly in Latin America , symbolizing a sense of guidance and support. I thank my parents for giving me such a significant name

What motivates you?

Love serves as my life’s driving force. I’m grateful to the Divine for enabling this journey and giving me loving parents and grandparents in our beautiful Earth within a wonderful universe. My family’s love compels me to grow as a person trying to be kinder and responsible towards them. Similarly, my career as an Economics professor propels me to keep learning, conducting research, and enhancing my teaching skills.

What are your top ten favorite movies?

Among my all-time favorite movies, there is a diverse selection that spans across different genres and time periods. Luis Buñuel’s ‘Viridiana,’ a Spanish film released in 1961, captivates me with its unique storytelling and thought-provoking themes. ‘Fontana di Trevi,’ an Italian film from 1960 directed by Carlo Campogalliani, takes me to the heart of Rome and captures the beauty of the city. Hal Ashby’s ‘Being There,’ a 1979 American film, stands out for its subtle humor and insightful commentary on society.

Moving to epic spectacles, William Wyler’s ‘Ben-Hur,’ released in 1959, showcases grandeur and captivating storytelling against a backdrop of ancient Rome. Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Roma,’ a Mexican film from 2018, masterfully weaves a personal narrative within a larger historical context. The emotional journey in ‘Scent of a Woman,’ directed by Martin Brest and released in 1992, resonates deeply.

Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘Last Tango in Paris,’ a 1972 French-Italian film, challenges conventions and explores complex relationships in a daring way. Steven Spielberg’s ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ a 1998 American film, immerses me in the intensity of World War II through its gripping depiction. ‘Intergalactica’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ are new films that fascinated me particularly the last on which I think it is one of the best movies ever made

What do you enjoy most about writing?

We humans are blessed with the remarkable ability to communicate with each other using language, as well as to share our ideas with a wide audience through the written word. I love writing because it enables me to convey my thoughts about the purpose of our existence , our relationship with the Divine, and how we ought to interact with one another. Writing in this blog, in particular, brings me great joy as it facilitates intellectual connections with individuals from diverse nationalities and cultures.

What do you love about where you live?

I reside in a retirement community in Estero, Florida, just a short 10-minute drive away from the beautiful Gulf Coast beach. The sense of security and friendliness among our neighbors here brings me great joy. I am profoundly thankful to the Divine for guiding my family to live in the United States. Despite the nation’s lingering issues in social justice, it remains a beacon of democracy and respect for the law and its Constitution. What particularly resonates with me is the formal recognition of my right to believe and practice in accordance with my beliefs. Living in a country where equal protection under the law is guaranteed regardless of factors like race, religion, national origin, and sexual preferences is something that I particularly cherish.

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

The positive emotion that I cherish the most is the profound sense of transcendence that washes over me after engaging in prayer or meditation. These moments provide me with a deep connection to something greater than myself, allowing me to tap into a wellspring of inner peace and clarity. This feeling of being in tune with the universe and experiencing a sense of oneness is incredibly rejuvenating and reminds me of the beauty and mystery of life.

Equally treasured are the loving feelings I experience towards those who reciprocate their affection for me. The bonds of love and connection that we share create a warm and comforting atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional security. These relationships serve as a reminder of the power of human connection and the joy that comes from sharing life’s experiences with people who truly care.

Additionally, there’s a unique joy that arises from witnessing my students grasp the concepts I am explaining. As an educator, there’s an unparalleled satisfaction in seeing their eyes light up with understanding and curiosity.