The contributions made to this country by Spanish-derived culture through the ages are incalculable. Whether you are of Mexican, Spanish, Puerto Rican or Latin American descent, you can well afford to take pride in the achievements of your ancestors. But taking pride in one’s ancient heritage is always less fruitful—and less American—than taking stock of one’s own recent past, his present, and his goals for the future. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “I don’t know who my grandfather was, but I am much more concerned about what his grandson will be.”