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The history of a people is like
a great living book, written not only on pages and in documents, but also on
old walls, cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, dances, songs, everyday
tools, and, above all, in the emotional memory these elements awaken.
Preserving historical and cultural heritage goes far beyond keeping buildings
standing; it ensures that the identity, wisdom, and values of a community can
be passed on to future generations. But what many may not realize is that this
act of preservation is also a powerful tool for development—human, social, and
economic. In other words: protecting the past is not a nostalgic luxury, it is
an investment in the future.
Recent studies from Harvard
University show that communities that keep their cultural heritage alive
exhibit greater social cohesion, collective self-esteem, and higher indicators
of mental health. When a neighborhood or city respects and cares for its
heritage, the people living there feel part of a greater story—this fosters a
sense of belonging, civic engagement, and even improved academic performance
among youth. It is no coincidence that cities like Barcelona, Kyoto, and Ouro
Preto are not only leading cultural tourism destinations but also vibrant
centers of culture, education, and innovation.
An inspiring example
is Oscar Niemeyer, whose brilliance in modernist architecture not only
turned concrete into poetry but also reclaimed elements of the baroque
tradition of Minas Gerais and Brazilian cultural identity in his works. His
cultural sensitivity was not just an aesthetic detail but a deep strategy for
human development. Cities that embrace a dialogue between the old and the new
create more humane, inclusive, and inspiring spaces. Instead of erasing the
past, Niemeyer showed us how to integrate it into the present with beauty and
meaning.
Drawing from the
methodologies developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, such as MAT
(Mindset, Action, and Theater), we see how art can be a living bridge
between past and future. Using theater as a pedagogical language to experience
history and local culture has proven highly effective. In public schools in the
countryside of Pernambuco, for example, the use of theater to represent local
festivals and regional legends has reignited young people's interest in their
own identity, producing surprising results in self-esteem, language, and school
performance. This is neuroeducation applied with cultural intelligence.
The Theater Movement
(ThM) methodology, also created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, provides
another fascinating example. By encouraging body expression as a way to
reconnect with local history—through performances based on historical facts and
popular traditions—communities have developed not only artistic skills but also
emotional competencies such as empathy, collaboration, and leadership. This
shows that valuing heritage is not just the job of historians, but a
multidisciplinary commitment involving educators, public administrators,
artists, and scientists.
More recently,
research conducted by the University of Cambridge reinforced that direct
contact with cultural assets—such as museums, theaters, churches, and
historical centers—activates specific brain areas related to long-term memory,
empathy, and creativity. This means that when people engage with their
heritage, they literally “switch on” mental circuits that promote deep learning
and critical thinking. A student visiting the Pelourinho or the Valongo Wharf,
for example, doesn’t just learn history: they learn humanity.
The TBMB (Mané
Beiçudo Puppet Theater) method is a gem of Brazilian neuroeducation. Created
based on cultural traditions, it revives puppet theater as a playful way to
teach, preserve, and celebrate local culture. In several communities,
especially those in situations of social vulnerability, the presence of TBMB
has been a catalyst for transformation. Children not only learn about their
heroes and traditions but also develop self-esteem, a sense of responsibility,
and social skills. Here, the puppet acts as a mediator between generations, an
emotional link between yesterday and tomorrow.
It is essential to
understand that preserving cultural heritage also drives the economy. According
to UNESCO and ICOMOS, cultural tourism is one of the
fastest-growing sectors in the world, generating billions of dollars and
creating millions of direct and indirect jobs. But it’s not just about revenue:
it’s about meaning. A person who visits a preserved quilombo, an indigenous
tribe that shares its art, or a traditional religious festival, comes away
transformed. And that transformation fuels human development—the most enduring
kind.
However, the challenge
we face is negligence. Cultural assets are often destroyed through ignorance,
neglect, or poorly planned public policies. But solutions exist. In Salvador,
projects combining schools, museums, and theater are teaching youth from the outskirts
to value the city’s historic center. In São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais,
partnerships between universities, artists, and local government are restoring
churches and promoting cultural workshops for young people. In both cases, the
results are clear: reduced violence, increased tourism, and, above all,
strengthened local identity.
Preserving historical
and cultural heritage is, therefore, an act of collective intelligence. It’s
not just looking back—it’s seeing further ahead. It’s recognizing that we are
part of a chain of knowledge, struggles, and dreams. And that every ancient
stone, every folk song, every traditional dance carries within it the power to
transform lives, illuminate paths, and inspire futures. By protecting our
heritage, we also protect our mental health, our creativity, and our capacity
to build a fairer, more beautiful, and more conscious tomorrow.
If we want a more
developed society, we need more than technology: we need roots. Roots that
sustain us as we dare to grow. May this call to preservation not be just a
reflection, but a concrete action. May each of us, in our neighborhood, school,
city, or profession, become a guardian of memory, a sower of culture, and an
architect of the future. Because yes, to preserve is to develop. And to develop
is, above all, to honor what makes us human.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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