Paavo Nurmi

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential poets of the 20th century. Born on July 12, 1904, in Parral, Chile, Neruda was the son of a railway employee and grew up in a humble household. He began writing poetry at a young age and published his first collection of poems, "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair," in 1924. Throughout his life, Neruda was a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He was a vocal critic of the Pinochet regime and was forced into exile in 1973. During his time in exile, Neruda continued to write and publish poetry, and his work became increasingly politicized. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971, and his poetry has been translated into more than 30 languages. Neruda's legacy extends far beyond his literary accomplishments, as he remains an important symbol of Chilean culture and a powerful voice for social change.