At 74 years old, the writer from Cartagena participated in the BBVA's 'Aprendemos Juntos' program, where he engaged with students and teachers on education, values, and the role of culture in an uncertain world. His reflections transcended literature, connecting with multiple generations. The dialogue organized by BBVA provided a space for the author to discuss educational challenges and cultural importance with young people. As an experienced war correspondent and novelist, Pérez-Reverte brought a unique perspective on navigating uncertainty through learning and observation. Although he feels generationally distant from young people, Pérez-Reverte stated he understands their situation well. He explained that they have been educated for a world that is not what they were told, creating frustration but also an opportunity to develop character and independent judgment. Directly advising young readers, Pérez-Reverte recommended 'The Coral Island' and 'Lord of the Flies'. He highlighted these titles for their ability to show how human groups react under extreme conditions, offering radically different perspectives on societal breakdown and cooperation. According to Pérez-Reverte, these readings help understand human nature better, functioning almost as a moral experiment. They show how humans can lean towards cooperation or violence depending on circumstances, reinforcing his belief that good and evil coexist in people rather than being absolute. The writer insisted that culture has a practical function beyond social prestige. Reading, living, and observing are tools to avoid manipulation. He argued that the greater the knowledge, the harder it is to fall for simplistic or misleading discourses in a world defined as 'dangerous' and full of contradictions. Pérez-Reverte acknowledged that many classic adventure books have lost their relevance among youth, pointing to video games as the new major narrative format. However, he defended that the need for stories remains intact, noting that humanity has always needed tales on how to survive. Encouraging doubt as a driver for learning, the writer admitted that with age he has lost certainties and gained questions. He viewed this evolution as natural and necessary, urging young people to question everything, not settle, and maintain a critical attitude, even if it involves making mistakes. [1]
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