Carlos Monsiváis

(1938 - 2010)

“My life is not characterised by an abundance of happy moments,” Carlos Monsiváis said in one of his many interviews, conducted in rooms where he was surrounded by a court of books and cats. “I have a rather desolate idea about getting up, and about going to bed as well.” The cultural historian and journalist, who spent his whole life in Mexico City, wrote a column titled “For My Mother Bohemians” that ran for decades and seemed to cover every nook of politics and pop culture—and often highlighted the stupidity of elites by just quoting them. His favorite cat was named Mito Genial, or Brilliant Myth. In Monsiváis’ obituary, the Guardian reported the pet died two days before its owner.