The reading club "Sentido común: 50 años de congruencia liberal," which focused on the book of the same name compiling fifty years of newspaper columns by Manuel F. Ayau, concluded its meetings on November 12, 2025. The series began in March and included nine sessions.
The club was organized by the Henry Hazlitt Center at Francisco Marroquín University. Yolanda de Sandoval, deputy director of the center and coordinator of the club, said, "During the meetings we not only got to know 172 articles written by Dr. Ayau, but also how diverse his approach was to solving ethical, legal, and economic problems."
In the introduction to the book, editor Juan Maegli wrote: "This publication was realized after reviewing around two thousand columns published in Guatemalan press over half a century. Those that best reflected the essence of the author's thought were selected. For better understanding in their historical and circumstantial context, topics were grouped by decade. An introduction was also included so that readers, especially younger ones, can understand the main topics and events of those years. From beginning to end, during these five decades, Manuel F. Ayau shows us a consistency of liberal principles that has characterized only certain great thinkers and authors. Among them were some of his teachers: for example, Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich A. Hayek, Henry Hazlitt, Leonard Read, Milton Friedman and others. All held enriching conversations with him that we can still enjoy today as part of a revival of liberal culture."
Writer Carlos Alberto Montaner commented on Ayau's work: "This timely collection of texts demonstrates two important aspects of Ayau's intellectual trajectory that are worth highlighting in this era of scarce moral integrity: his coherence...and the growing complexity and enrichment of ideas."
The first six sessions were led by Fritz Thomas, Luis Figueroa, Fredy Abed, Julio H. Cole, Guy Wyld and Ricardo Matesanz. These sessions included readings and discussions about assigned columns as well as personal anecdotes about UFM’s emeritus rector.
Subsequent sessions featured other faculty members who discussed different columns: Johannes Bendfelt, Karen Cancinos, Lourdes Corado, Carlos Delgado, Alessandro González, José Antonio López, Yolanda de Sandoval and Julia Toledo. Other active participants included Fernando Monterroso V., Enrique Ramírez, Mayra Ramírez, Claudia Rosales and Juan Carlos Simons.
The reading club provided an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on Muso’s ideas—ideas described as continuing to guide those who value freedom. His legacy remains influential among new generations interested in understanding and defending principles supporting a free and responsible society.
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