“The homeland is freedom, order, wealth, and civilization organized on native soil, under its banner and in its name.”
Juan Bautista Alberdi, Foundations and Starting Points for the Political Organization of the Argentine Republic.

Today marks another anniversary of the birth of Juan Bautista Alberdi (1810-1884), one of the great thinkers in Argentine history, whose work and legacy were decisive in the political organization of our country. His work Bases y puntos de partida para la organización política de la República Argentina (Foundations and Starting Points for the Political Organization of the Argentine Republic) inspired the enactment of the National Constitution of 1853, becoming a foundational text that set the course for the nation.

Born in San Miguel de Tucumán, Alberdi was educated in Buenos Aires and Córdoba, where he graduated as a lawyer. From a young age, he was actively involved in intellectual life, joining the Generation of '37, a group of writers and politicians who defended freedom and progress against the regime of Juan Manuel de Rosas. His opposition led him into exile, first in Uruguay and later in Chile, where he wrote much of his political and essayistic work.

In 1852, after Rosas' defeat in the Battle of Caseros, Alberdi sent Justo José de Urquiza his most significant work: Bases and Starting Points for the Political Organization of the Argentine Republic, which was used as inspiration for the drafting of the Constitution. His intellectual contribution earned him recognition as one of the fathers of national organization.

In addition to his work as a lawyer and writer, Alberdi played a prominent diplomatic role in Europe, where he represented the Argentine Confederation in countries such as France, Spain, and England, helping to consolidate the international presence of the young Republic.

True to his republican ideals, he returned to the country in 1879 to participate in the debates on the federalization of Buenos Aires. However, his firm political positions led him back into exile in France, where he died in 1884. His remains now rest in the Government House of Tucumán.

In recognition of his legacy, every August 29th Argentina celebrates Lawyer's Day, paying tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the study of law and the construction of a free and just homeland.

215 years after his birth, Juan Bautista Alberdi remains an intellectual beacon, whose work continues to inspire the ongoing challenge of building a freer and more prosperous Argentina.