Diogenes Would Be Pleased: Experiencing Ethical Leadership Through Javier Cascón’s Example

When I invited Javier Cascón to speak as part of our School for Dreamers series at Schiller International University, I knew his story was special. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply it would touch our students and how perfectly it would bring to life what we mean by experiential learning and ethical leadership.

Diogenes, the ancient Greek philosopher, once wandered through Athens carrying a lit lantern in broad daylight, saying he was looking for an honest man. Last week, I believe we found him.

In a time when owning a home feels like an unreachable dream for many young people, Javier, at just 27 years old, has bought three houses — not to accumulate wealth, but to give homes to the homeless. He is not rich, nor backed by privilege; he simply decided that empathy and perseverance could do what others call impossible.

Through volunteering in soup kitchens, Javier became aware of how many people live without a roof over their heads. Determined to help, he worked up to 16 hours a day across 17 different jobs — from construction sites to supermarkets — to finance mortgages and loans (including one taken by his mother to support him). Thanks to that effort, 32 people have now been able to rebuild their lives under the protection of his initiative.

But what makes Javier’s story truly powerful is not just the number of lives changed, it’s the way he leads. He offers more than shelter: he provides guidance, support, and hope. When students asked him about his daily routine, he shared that he now works remotely until 4 p.m. to be with his wife and baby, and spends the rest of his day growing his project.

“When I die,” he told us, “I want to be judged not by the many clothes I own, but by how much love I managed to give.” True to his word, Javier has worn only second-hand clothes for years, choosing to live sustainably and meaningfully. His example reminded us all that real leadership begins with empathy and integrity.

For our students, this session was more than a talk — it was a living lesson in experiential learning. Javier’s journey shows that education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but about transforming it into positive action. He reminded us that ethical leadership is not taught — it’s experienced.

And that, I believe, is precisely what Schiller stands for.
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Prof. José Pinto is a Public Speaking professor at Schiller International University’s Madrid campus and the creator of the School for Dreamers series, which connects students with inspiring leaders who turn their values into action.