Queirosian variations: Mr. Sousa Neto, today

The author reflects on the character Sousa Neto from Eça de Queirós's 'The Maias', using him as an archetype for modern figures who dismiss humanistic culture in favour of purely numerical metrics and rigid, outdated economic ideologies. The text critiques the current international political climate, noting a shift from subtle diplomacy to the brutal logic of force, and warns that while pure power leads to destruction, humanity will eventually judge these actions, even as the modern-day 'Sousa Netos' inevitably shift their principles to survive.