Facundo: Civilization and Barbarism

"Facundo: Civilization and Barbarism" by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento is a detailed analysis of Argentine society in the 19th century. It explores the tension between progress and disorder, contrasting the European-influenced push for education, culture, and organized government (civilization) with local traditions and violence often associated with rural or frontier life (barbarism). Sarmiento emphasizes that true progress depends on fostering education, civility, and moral development to build a stable and advanced society, warning that neglecting these values risks falling into chaos and backwardness. The book advocates for modernization through cultural and educational reforms.