José Ferraz : Troubled Times

We live in a period of our history marked by uncertainty, rapid changes and challenges that force us to rethink the way we live and relate. It’s not the first time humanity has faced cycles like this. Over the centuries, great civilizations have known phases of great brilliance, followed by moments of fragility, often because they moved away from the values that had sustained them. When comfort becomes excessive and too guaranteed, there is a risk of losing the sense of effort, solidarity and perseverance.
This can create a society more focused on appearance than essence, more focused on the immediate than on what really matters. Thus, in these contexts, leaders emerge who take advantage of collective weaknesses, promoting divisions and discourses that contribute little to the common good. History shows us the importance of being attentive and cultivating a culture of responsibility, respect and integrity — both in the public and personal spheres.
I was brought up with simple but solid values. Honesty, sharing, effort and respect for others. Throughout my life, I have always sought to live according to these principles and help those around me. This has not always been reciprocal, and I confess that some of the biggest disappointments I have had have come from people to whom I have offered support and dedication, yet I continue to believe that most people are good, hardworking and generous — and that it is worth continuing to invest in others. I firmly believe that the future can be better if each of us rescues and reinforces the values that unite us: family, a sense of community, social responsibility and a commitment to truth. I hope Christmas was a time of unity, peace and reflection.
I hope that 2026 will bring us more serenity, more empathy and less conflict and that we are able to build a world where integrity and the common good take center stage again!