By Julio C. Calvo-Alvarado
Philosophy has always been one of the most effective guides to human happiness, which is so regularly disturbed by the vicissitudes of fate. Philosophy is a good therapy to correct many things; in philosophy we run our lives by reason toward the common good.
Therefore, in the constant search for truth, many societies are wondering about the ideal behavior to follow in order to achieve the highest and most desirable good of all: happiness. Thus, Costa Rica decided in 1949 to give up an army and become a global example, unabashedly embracing the values of peace and nonviolence. This visionary decision of our ex-president, José Figueres Ferrer, has brought us enormous benefits, prestige and international respect, which have led to greater democracy, prosperity and social justice.
Although it has been viable for our country to live in peace in recent decades, the recent invasion by Nicaragua of our homeland has tested, once again, the strength of those unchanging values that we never tire of proclaiming to the world.
This time the challenge to our sovereignty is accompanied by the blow of an ax, the fury of dredgers, offensive language, brazen lies, delusional ideas for development, and military bullying that challenges us every minute.
Recent activities in a far corner of our territory have frayed emotions and fanned nationalism. Some of us, with astonishing lack of seriousness and irresponsibility, have put aside our nation’s long-held values and made tasteless jokes and helped to foster the xenophobia that paints a sharp contrast to the culture of our civilized nation.
Thankfully, most of the members of our society and government have chosen to wave the flag of peace, remaining true to, and proud of, our way of life.
Peace is one of the best foundations for building a prosperous, healthy and functional society.
Costa Ricans must understand the political context in which the Nicaraguan invasion is taking place; we must gauge the true nature and the magnitude of the conflict.
The motivations of the Nicaraguan government are very clear: inflame patriot-ism and thus gain people’s blind support for the government in power, avoid the presence of OAS observers in the upcoming elections, and fast track either the Brito hydroelectric project or an inter-oceanic canal.
Either of the last two options will undoubtedly have enormous environmental and social consequences in both countries.
The invasion of Calero Island is merely a tip of the iceberg in terms of the large and complex geopolitical conflict that is developing, one that we can scarcely discern. That’s why it is so crucial to rely upon reason and avoid falling into the trap of provocation and violence. If we do not, we will help pave the way for the reelection of the current Nicaraguan government (by force if needed) and the subsequent large-scale projects that may develop as a result.
To defend our country we must adopt the principles of Stoicism, an old philosophy designed for hard times. Stoicism asks that we meet the challenges of fate with outstanding strength and determination.
Stoic maxims are, “Bear and renounce, because everything is determined;” and “It’s better to be guided than to be dragged by fate.”
We’ve already chosen our own destiny: one of peace. We must therefore counter indignity with self-control and a denunciation of violence. We must be guided by our values rather than the emotions of a misunderstood patriotism. This is where we find the best elements of our culture, where we live according to the wise words of Gandhi: “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”
Julio Calvo-Alvarado is a forestry engineer with a PH.D in Natural Resources Management from North Carolina State University and chairman of the School of Forestry at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, in Cartago. He can be reached at jucalvo@itcr.ac.cr
