In His Own Words
Academic papers and personal letters that reveal his philosophy, curiosity, and love for his family.
Academic Papers
Between 1979 and 1984, Bert wrote a series of academic papers that read, in retrospect, like a philosophical autobiography. They reveal his thinking on identity, culture, politics, and human dignity.
"The Azores — Nine Islands, One People, One Culture"
March 13, 1979 | Northeastern University, Sociology
Written fourteen months after arriving in America, this paper describes his homeland with the aching precision of someone who has just left it.
Read the original paper →"Immigrants and Culture Shock"
March 15, 1979 | Northeastern University, Sociology
Two days after the Azores paper, Bert turned the lens on himself. Professor noted "Excellent work."
Read the original paper →"A Classless Society... Reality or Utopia?"
June 7, 1979 | Northeastern University, Sociology
An extra-credit paper analyzing Marxist theory, written by someone who had witnessed the 1974 Portuguese Revolution.
Read the original paper →"Men Without Chests: A Side Effect of Science and Technology"
April 28, 1984 | Stonehill College
His masterwork, drawing on C.S. Lewis and arguing that modern institutions diminish human agency. Grade: A+.
Read the original paper →