Around a new culture

Abstract

The predominant culture is characterized by values (or rather, anti-values), such as easy success, consumerism and individualism exacerbated, as well as by anxieties never satisfied for material goods (money, mainly), which erode the social bond because they stimulate fierce competition between people. It is clear that the deterioration of social coexistence in El Salvador is not exclusively due to cultural dynamics, but these are part of the problem. And, consequently, they are also part of the solution. In this sense, it is necessary not only to discuss and analyze in depth the perverse logic of the prevailing culture, forged in the heat of a globalized neoliberal mercantilism, but to reflect on those values that can be an antidote to some habits, ways of seeing the life and practices that have shown to be harmful for social coexistence and for the happiness of the people. That is the purpose of these notes, which aim to recover four essential values for a civilized and decent life: honesty, prudence, silence and solitude. Before examining and justifying each of these values, a general view of the Buen Vivir culture is made, in which the values mentioned and others that complement them are legitimized.