Introduction

Above all, I am a worker. This is the starting point to understand my role in today’s society. My parents were workers, as were my grandparents and those who came before them. I am a child of labor. The fruit of my parents’ sweat and sacrifice, of constant daily struggle, of dreams and the pursuit of a better life. Based on this heritage and the raw observation of reality, I understand work as the only way to improve one’s own reality and that of those around you. Thus, this manifesto is the synthesis of what I believe, and at the core of my belief lies work as a means to pleasure and the healing of pain. As a source of pride and purpose.

Übermensch

Übermensch is a concept introduced by Friedrich Nietzsche in his 1883 book Thus Spoke Zarathustra. My understanding of this concept is man’s pursuit of overcoming himself. Freeing himself from shackles, breaking his chains, building his own values, taking control of his own life, and shaping the world around him. This is my interpretation and extrapolation of what I read and does not necessarily represent the author’s full idea or intention. But I understand this as the great work: to improve oneself.

Nonconformity

We do not choose when and where we are born. But since I gained consciousness, at no moment did I conform to things as they are. Man must first improve himself, and while doing so, must not close his eyes to the world around him. This is not simply altruism, nor a romantic or heroic vision. He who seeks the best version of himself gains powers, and just as the mantra of a famous pop culture character says: with great power comes great responsibility. Power must not be an end in itself, and without responsibilities or objectives it becomes vague and corruptible. Nonconforming to the imperfect world around him, man works—first for himself, then for his family, friends, community, and perhaps he manages to influence his neighborhood, city, state, or country. One never knows how far one can go until one tries. But it all begins with the desire to be better than oneself, with nonconformity to reality as it is, and with the understanding of work as the means to improve oneself and the world. Not because we must see ourselves as heroes or seek rewards in life or after it. The pursuit is itself the destination, and in it we find ourselves. Seeking to change the world around us is also an act of survival and creation, much more than an act of kindness.

Passing It On

Here, the man who uses work as a means of survival, enrichment, and dignity must in the end face the finitude of life. No matter how grand his deeds, the only certainty is death. And perhaps this is our greatest motivation. Our time is limited, and we will never know how much remains. So we must seize each day as a gift and, in the end, build a legacy. Our purpose, beyond improving ourselves and the world around us, must be to pass on the knowledge and wealth we accumulate. This can be done through the natural act of having or adopting children, or through the things we teach others throughout life and the material goods we share. Let us do as much as we can in life, enjoy our achievements, and pass on what we know and have gathered. We live upon the shoulders of giants, upon the work and knowledge accumulated by those who came before us. We are but another link in this chain.

Me

I am a worker in the field of technology. I work solving problems through the construction and maintenance of software systems. I understand technology as an umbrella term representing the wonders created by man, in the execution and improvement of different kinds of work. I think of my craft as one that makes the craft of others better. And I believe in technology as a means to improve life and transcend our limits. I believe the State can be a driving force to promote the development of sciences and ensure an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. Beyond my paid work, I believe in the unrestricted sharing of knowledge. I create open-source and free-use software and share what I know whenever I can. I also enjoy writing. And thus I try to contribute something to the world. I am an admirer of everything humanity has built and continues to build—the many forms of art and technological marvels. I love machines, books, music, poetry, comic books, films, and sports. I live to work, to know the wonders of nature, and the works of man.

Conclusion

This manifesto is my ode to work and to the arts. A small glimpse of what I believe and live for. Worthy is the man who lives by the sweat of his brow. My repudiation goes to parasites, to the exploitation of man by man, to the exaltation of material accumulation, and to devotion to power. Power is a means, not an end in itself. Work is what enables us pleasure, and without pain pleasure destroys and corrupts. Pleasure desires eternity, and virtue is to go against that desire. Pain says: “Stop!” and virtue is to continue despite it. Death to those who wish to subjugate and repress their fellow man. Death to those who claim to know what is best for others. Hail the honest worker who above all wishes to be better today than he was yesterday. Who works for his family and community. Who creates or appreciates art and sport. Who passes on what he knows. Long live work!