Some time ago, while I was making a speech in a ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic, and in which there were two other members of the Government, I had the chance of quoting the great Portuguese statesman and doctor, António José de Almeida: “What we, the Portuguese, need is to redouble our efforts for a greater activity in our jobs, to close the gaps of our organization and move forward”.
 
If this sentence was opportune by the time it was written in the magazine Alma Nacional (National Soul), in the beginning of the year 1910, it is even more timely today, when we are approaching the end of the 20th century. It is imperative for us to make an effort to understand our difficulties and try to find appropriate solutions for our problems. Working hard is indispensable, specially in quality, and organize and discipline ourselves, in order to act more effectively on all levels. It is important to stop complaining and to move straight ahead.
 
Portuguese people say that “you don’t measure a man in inches” — this is what distinguishes a great man from a big man. What about countries? Are they measured by inches? That is, are they measured by the dimensions of their territory or by the density of their populations? Obviously not. Countries are internationally more or less important according to the deeds of their people. Throughout history, there have been relatively small countries which have become prominent in the international community. This, in fact, still happens today.
 
The same António José de Almeida, in 1922, in his memorable speech at the Brazilian National Congress, said: “Our view is heavy and serious, the view of heroes, captains, fighters, our old castles, our small cities! It is what lies deep in our cathedrals, it is what sleeps in the silence of our monuments – it is the Gamas, the Nun’Álvares, the Pedros Álvares Cabral, it is them all!”
 
Yes. After all, Portugal was once a great country because of the value of some great Portuguese. And we are the heirs of those valuable men. All of us. From the highest magistrate of the nation, to any common citizen. And if everyone wants to contribute to the growth of the motherland, adding his small but valuable share, this can be a great country again, in spite of its small territorial size.
 
Since we are part of the European Union, it may not be reasonable to assume that we are inevitably small and insignificant, condemning ourselves to the condition of neo-colonized. It seems much more reasonable and desirable that we rationalize situations, try to use intelligently the more than good resources available, and act in a way that deserves (wins) the respect of the international community.
 
Because of all this, I concluded my speech wishing that each of us can contribute in his own way, so that Portugal can become “a great country in the larger Europe”. 
 
 

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