Muso was not only a visionary in promoting the ideas of classical liberalism but also a true pioneer in spreading these ideas. Throughout his life, he left an indelible mark as the founder of Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) and an unwavering defender of individual liberty and free-market economics. His ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way and his intellectual leadership have inspired thinkers, economists, and entrepreneurs around the world.
In 2010, after Muso's passing, many people came together to honor his extraordinary legacy. Through heartfelt videos, friends, colleagues, and admirers shared their thoughts and gratitude, recalling his immense impact as a defender of classical liberalism, educator, and visionary leader. These tributes, filled with admiration and respect, serve as a living reminder of the transformative power of his ideas. We invite you to watch these videos and discover how Muso’s legacy continues to inspire generations committed to liberty and prosperity.
“Manuel F. Ayau successfully established a new model for promoting the ideas of classical liberalism around the world. Few people have been able to do something similar. I believe, without exaggeration, that Manuel Ayau can be compared to Antony Fisher or Pierre Goodrich. He is a true pioneer and is part of the generation that sought new methods to communicate liberal ideas.”
— Carlos Sabino, sociologist, Venezuela
“I knew the legend before I met the man: in the jungles of Central America, there shone a light so bright that, like El Dorado, it could be seen from afar. In every encounter, I learned from Muso. I am deeply indebted to him. True intelligence lies in the ability to make the complex simple, and he possesses that intelligence in abundance. Ideas and institutional frameworks advance in the world thanks to the efforts of intellectual entrepreneurs like him.”
—Martín Krause, economist, Argentina
“When Ayau founded UFM, statist, populist, and Marxist ideas were converging in Latin America, drawing waves of followers, sometimes violent and sometimes peaceful. In a country like Guatemala, which has experienced so much violence, his actions represented an almost heroic personal risk.”
—Carlos Alberto Montaner, journalist, Cuba (exiled in Spain)
“Manuel F. Ayau is a true intellectual hero on par with Ludwig von Mises or Friedrich Hayek. He is a giant not only of ideas but also for his ability to turn those ideas into reality. Muso’s academic contributions have been fundamental. I have never heard anyone explain the concept of comparative advantage in such a clear and compelling way. In this sense, he is a Frédéric Bastiat of the twentieth century; he possesses the same talent for taking abstract concepts and translating them—pleasantly and persuasively, in brochures and editorials—into colloquial language that everyone can understand. He should be recognized as one of the individuals who has most improved the lives of people in the last hundred years, and as one of the great heroes of classical liberalism in the twentieth century.”
—Roberto Salinas, philosopher, Mexico
“Manuel F. Ayau is a synthesizer and disseminator of ideas on a grand scale. I know of no one else who possesses the ability to communicate the ideas of classical liberalism with such impact to so many people in such a short time.”
—Juan Carlos Cachanosky, economist, Argentina
We invite everyone inspired by Muso’s legacy to join this tribute by sharing their thoughts and experiences. Your contribution will help keep alive the memory of a true pioneer of classical liberalism and continue to spread the ideas he so passionately promoted.