Berkley Center

Eighteenth century German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt once declared, "Ecuadorians are strange and unique beings, they sleep peacefully amid smoking volcanoes." Although this statement was made hundreds of years ago, it still holds true in modern Ecuador. Its accuracy lies not only in the fact that there are still several active volcanoes in the country, but also in the composed and often nonchalant manner in which many Ecuadorians go about their daily lives, even in times of stress.

Upon my arrival in Ecuador, I was shocked by the way in which many people cross the street. A car (or bus) could be close and fast approaching, yet people would still begin to cross, not even pausing after having almost been run over.

I was also surprised to find that lawsuits are relatively uncommon. If several people get food poisoning from a restaurant, they just deal with it. If contracted workers damage property on the job, it’s the contractor’s responsibility. I quickly realized that a large part of my sense of security in the United States is based on my ability to sue someone in the event that something goes wrong.

Experiencing this lack of security in Ecuadorian society is definitely difficult to become accustomed to. When I realized that I did not have the safety net that I was so used to having, I began evaluating my behavior. Do I really want to go to a nail salon knowing that there won’t be any repercussions if I contract a fungus? Do I really want to go on a ride at a carnival and possibly die without my family being compensated for their loss?

Eventually, however, I began taking more risks. I figured that if this is the way the country has been functioning for such a long time, then to some extent it must work. I developed a more optimistic perspective and accepted the risks that came along with my actions.

In Ecuador, one has to trust people to do what they’ve promised to do. I think it comes as no surprise that over 95 percent of the population identifies with a religion. Instead of relying on government institutions as a back-up plan, the people lean on their faith, hope for the best, and readjust and move on when things don’t go according to plan.

Although Ecuadorians face more dangerous situations on a daily basis than Americans do, the country is not out of control. If anything, it seems as though more faith is put in religion when people don’t depend on society to right life’s wrongs. This gives people hope. It gives them courage to move forward despite the world’s dangers.

I think the reason many Ecuadorians are able to "sleep peacefully amid smoking volcanoes" is that they have developed a tolerance for the unalterable. The serenity prayer begins, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change." Through faith, the citizens of Ecuador have achieved a level of serenity that helps them deal with the hazards that come with living in a country where individuals have no choice but to trust and believe