A debate on the principles of human dignity

For UNESCO to conduct “a formal, public and international debate on the necessary principles underlying human dignity and civilization” so that “the force of logic, culture, doctrine and the possibility of fundamental agreement would secure the triumph of free minds over the adherents of autocracy and totalitarianism” was the best way forward, advocated Italian philosopher Benedetto Croce (1866-1952) in his text, sent to UNESCO from Naples on 15 April 1947, with the title “The Rights of Man and the Present Historical Situation”.