Guest pen The mundane nature of goodness corresponds to the cruelty of war

Russia is ruthlessly trying to destroy Ukraine, but instead of keeping quiet, resistance has risen, including in Finland.

Sodan the insane cruelty we have long watched here from afar on the safe northern edge of Europe, as if outsiders, has suddenly come so close that the continental plates of basic security are moving.

We will have to watch, in real time, how ruthlessly Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine. That is how the bare, authoritarian power that has eroded the opposition and shackled the media works.

An important step on Russia’s path to this has been the repression of civil society.

This Against this background, the value of Finnish civil society is evident. Here, a diverse and functioning civil society is in full force: NGOs and their numerous volunteers, church congregations, spontaneous civic engagement.

A strong civil society is a prerequisite for democracy and the support of public authorities. When civil society is independent and, where necessary, critical, it protects against authoritarian rule and arbitrariness.

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Hannah Arendt, a German Jewish social philosopher, has described the phenomenon she calls evil everyday. For he means the adaptation of citizens to the prevailing cruelty. Shut up, close your eyes, only take care of your own tasks, no matter what kind of entity they serve. That’s easier.

Arendt’s example of the mundaneness of evil was related to Nazism, but it is a broader phenomenon. It lurks on the fringes of the inhumane exercise of power in all societies.

Perhaps Russia relied on evil in its own country and internationally. Instead of silence, resistance has risen, even in Finland.

Civil society has been widely involved in the resistance. The protests take place in an instant. Organizations and congregations are preparing to receive refugees and provide the necessary support to the authorities. Channels for humanitarian aid have been found quickly. Individual citizens and groups of citizens are moving.

The basis for citizen activation is moral. It is based on the long-term, determined and organized work of NGOs and congregations in supporting the people. According to Arend, work can be called the mundane of goodness.

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It is not about particularly good people, but about the everyday sense of humanity of ordinary people: people cannot be treated in any way, a good life can only come about by supporting others.

All are not active actors. The deepest thing that unites us in this situation is not resistance or action. Even deeper and more common is the upset of basic security.

When basic security is shaken, a dense social fabric is needed so that no one has to bear the fears, insecurities and anxieties created by the situation alone.

The stronger civil society, the stronger the social fabric of society. Special mental and psychosocial support is needed where basic security is already fragile. Many organizations and congregations work with these very people.

Insecurity and feelings of powerlessness can turn into anger. In order not to be angry with Finns or any other group of people, a calming everyday life is needed and conscious work is needed to create a safe space for everyone.

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Civil society actors can play an important role here too, but without a responsible media, the authorities and the common will of all citizens, a safe space will not emerge.

There is currently a struggle between military power and economic power in Europe. Civil society has neither military nor economic power.

The power of civil society is the power of strong words and determined, humane actions in everyday life.

The power of words and everyday human deeds should not be underestimated.

Kari Mäkinen

The author is Archbishop Emeritus and Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Social and Health Association (Soste).

Guest pens are the speeches of experts selected by the HS editorial board for publication. The opinions expressed in guest pens are the authors’ own views, not HS’s statements. Writing instructions: www.hs.fi/vieraskyna/.

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