Antonio Aguirre Salamero was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964, attended Colegio Gaztelueta de Leioa, and obtained a law degree from the University of Deusto - Vizcaya.

He broadened his curriculum by participating in a program for the training of experts in foreign trade of the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Basque government in the San Sebastian campus of the same university, which finally led him to reside in London for two years. 

 

He worked as an intern in the commercial office of the Spanish embassy in London, and then briefly in a law firm in the City before returning to Spain where he established an export business geared towards  opening foreign markets. Over the past 27 years, his business activities required him to travel extensively, allowing him to experience different cultures, races and religions. 

 

"So many hours on the plane gives you time to think," says Antonio. "People are really interesting. People have the answer. It is the other. The other, who carries pollen in his hand ... Our best self awaits us in the other; it was always like that. The answer is the other. I bet Sartre never had brothers. The other is the essence of our true process of improvement. 

 

"That's why it's important that we learn to love trees. They are places for the other. Just look at them. They are places of hope. That exactly. Places of hope for the other." 

 

Married since 1991, his wife is a medical doctor. He has good friends, eight brothers, a father-in-law, 13 brothers-in-law and for the moment 26 nephews and nieces. 

 

"Our family reunions are like going to war. In a large family there is really no risk that someone thinks too important ... It's quite healthy, everyone remembers in the present your most ridiculous aspects.

 

"I am the man in the street; it could be said that I am an intruder, not worthy of literature ...She is a great lady... But the word I seek may be enough to save me."