Che Guevara's childhood was relatively privileged compared to many others in Argentina at the time. He was born into a middle-class family of Spanish-Irish descent. His father, Ernesto Guevara Lynch, was an architect, and his mother, Celia de la Serna, came from a well-to-do family. During his early years, Guevara was exposed to a leftist and intellectual environment. Guevara developed a passion for literature and sports, particularly rugby and swimming.