“Without children, we cannot live, just as the earth cannot live without light,” said our Apostle (José Martí), in a phrase that goes beyond the obvious, marking childhood as the physical and natural future of the planet.

Without children, we cannot live because we, adults, quickly forget how we saw the world when we were not even a meter tall, a cloud was a giant, and any pot in the kitchen was the most beautiful ship the shipyard had ever seen. Or when the most faithful friend was within reach of “Do you want to play with me?;” when celebrating the birthday of the house cat could be the party of the year.

Adults, of course, need someone to remind us that one day we were such incredible beings. That is the “distinguished service” of childhood to humanity.