In a newly resurfaced essay, the celebrated Argentinian writer Ernesto Sabato delivers a poignant call for renewed human values amidst societal turmoil. Published in 2008 as part of the collection Pretošanās (Resistance), and recently highlighted by IR.lv, the piece resonates with a timeless urgency, urging readers to reconsider their approach to life and embrace courage in the face of adversity. Sabato, a prolific author, essayist, painter, and physician, left an indelible mark on Latin American literature, most notably with his 1948 novel Tunelis (The Tunnel), which has been translated into Latvian.
The essay, originally appearing in the Latvian journal Domuzīme in 2024, isn’t a detached intellectual exercise. Sabato frames his appeal as a desperate signal sent from a ship nearing disaster, or a plea shouted amidst a raging fire. He writes with a sense of immediacy, as if recognizing a fleeting opportunity to inspire change. The core message centers on the belief that a more humane existence remains within reach, but requires a conscious shift in perspective and a willingness to value “spiritual values” above all else.
Sabato’s life was deeply intertwined with periods of significant political upheaval in Argentina. After the fall of the military junta in 1983, he led the National Commission on Disappeared People, a harrowing task that culminated in the publication of Nunca Más (Never Again), a landmark report documenting the atrocities committed during the dictatorship. This book remains one of the best-selling in Argentinian history, demonstrating the enduring power of truth and reconciliation. The experience undoubtedly informed his later writings, including this essay, which speaks to the fragility of human dignity and the importance of resisting forces that threaten it.
A Call for Courage and Re-evaluation
The author doesn’t offer a specific blueprint for change, but rather a plea for a fundamental re-evaluation of priorities. He urges readers to “stop and think about the greatness to which it is still possible to aspire, if only we dare to value life differently.” This isn’t a call for grand gestures, but for a quiet courage – a “daring” – that allows individuals to live with authenticity and purpose. Sabato acknowledges that moments of weakness are inevitable, but insists that the potential for salvation lies solely in upholding “spiritual values.”
The essay’s imagery is striking. Sabato describes waking with a “sickly hope,” a feeling that the possibility of a more humane life is within our grasp. He compares himself to someone frantically writing while threatened by fire, or a ship sending a final, desperate signal. This sense of urgency underscores the belief that the time for complacency is over. The metaphor of the ship, “sinking from view,” sending a signal to a city “stunned by the noise and the blurred eyes of many posters,” is particularly evocative, suggesting a society overwhelmed by distractions and losing sight of its core values.
Sabato’s Literary Legacy and Political Engagement
Ernesto Sabato (1911–2011) received numerous international literary awards and accolades throughout his career. His work often explored themes of existentialism, alienation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Beyond his literary achievements, Sabato’s commitment to social justice and human rights solidified his position as a moral authority in Argentina. His leadership of the National Commission on Disappeared People was a courageous act, challenging the legacy of state-sponsored terror and demanding accountability for past crimes.
The enduring relevance of Nunca Más, as one of Argentina’s best-selling books, speaks to the nation’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with its past. Sabato’s work, both literary and political, continues to inspire dialogue and reflection on the importance of memory, justice, and the preservation of human dignity. His essay, “Par lielo un mazo,” serves as a powerful reminder that these values are not merely abstract ideals, but essential foundations for a meaningful and just society.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and polarized world, Sabato’s message of courage and re-evaluation feels particularly timely. His call to value “spiritual values” – a concept open to interpretation, but broadly encompassing empathy, compassion, and a commitment to truth – offers a potential path forward. The challenge, as Sabato suggests, lies in daring to live differently, and in recognizing the greatness that remains within our reach.
What steps can individuals take to cultivate this “daring” and prioritize spiritual values in their daily lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and help continue the conversation.
