Roberto Alfredo Arregui Chauvín (Guaranda, October 22, 1915 – date unknown) was an Ecuadorian educator, poet, and lawyer. He served as rector and professor of Literature and Philosophy at the Pedro Carbo School in Guaranda for thirty years and was a founding member of the Bolívar chapter of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. His poetry, mainly published in magazines, earned him several local awards, including the Trébol de Oro y Plata at the Riobamba Floral Games. Arregui also published a legal treatise, De las presunciones, which won the prestigious “Luis Felipe Borja” award, highlighting his contributions to both literature and law.
Early Life and Education
Roberto Alfredo Arregui Chauvín was born on October 22, 1915, in Guaranda, Ecuador. He was the son of Roberto Arregui Moscoso and Dolores Chauvín. Arregui completed his primary education at the Simón Bolívar School in Guaranda and pursued secondary studies at the Pedro Carbo School, with his final year of secondary education at the Maldonado School in Riobamba.
He continued his education at the Central University of Ecuador, where he earned a doctorate in Jurisprudence. Additionally, he completed coursework at the university’s Faculty of Philosophy and Literature, specializing in Philosophy and Literature.
Literary and Professional Career
Arregui Chauvín’s professional life was diverse and influential, particularly in the field of education. He served as a professor of Literature and Philosophy and spent an impressive thirty years as the rector of the Pedro Carbo School in Guaranda. His contributions extended beyond education, as he also held the position of President of the Electoral Tribunal and was a member of the Bolívar chapter of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana.
He was also a noted literary figure, recognized for both his poetry and philosophical essays. His notable work, De las presunciones, earned him the prestigious “Luis Felipe Borja” award. Other literary accomplishments include winning the first prize in a poetic competition organized by the Pedro Carbo School and securing the Trébol de Oro y Plata at the Riobamba Floral Games. His poem La última lección de Sócrates won La Copa del Triunfo, awarded by the Guaranda Agricultural Center. Additionally, he was awarded the first prize by the Club “Río Chimbo” for his composition of the institution’s anthem.
Arregui also received numerous accolades, such as gold medals from the Social Bolivarense Center in Guayaquil and the Society of Chauffeurs. His poem El Universo, written under the pseudonym “Thales, el Milesio,” won the first honorable mention at the Floral Games hosted by El Universo newspaper. This poem was praised for its cosmic vision and philosophical depth. Furthermore, his work Los tres maestros secured the second prize in Ambato.
Among his unpublished works are significant contributions such as Cóndor-Llacta, an epic poem about the Bolívar Province; Trompetas Heroicas, a collection of epic poems; Microcosmos, a compilation of lyrical poems; and several philosophical essays like Luciérnaga Filosófica, Las Categorías: historia y comentario, and Existencialismo y esencialismo, which reflect his deep engagement with metaphysical and ontological themes.
Legacy and Recognition
Roberto Alfredo Arregui Chauvín left a lasting legacy both as an educator and a literary figure. He was a founding member of the Bolívar chapter of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, where he served as Vice President in 1953, playing an integral role in the cultural development of his region.
His contributions to Ecuadorian literature and philosophy were widely recognized, and he was honored with numerous awards throughout his lifetime. His intellectual and poetic output, characterized by a broad philosophical erudition and a deep sense of universalism, continues to be remembered as a valuable contribution to Ecuadorian cultural and intellectual life.
Works
Poems
- “La última lección de Sócrates” – Awarded La Copa del Triunfo by the Guaranda Agricultural Center.
- “El Universo” – Honorable mention in the Floral Games of El Universo newspaper.
- “Los tres maestros” – Won second prize in a contest in Ambato.
- “Oda Geográfica” – A poetic tribute to his hometown, Guaranda.
- “Diez de Noviembre” – A poem celebrating the bravery of Guarandeños.
- “Mi Tierra es Inmortal” – A patriotic poem with philosophical undertones.
- “Ideas y Sentimiento” – A poem with a deep philosophical reflection on the human spirit.
- “El Terremoto de 1797” – An elegy describing a historical earthquake.
- “El Trabajo” – A grandiloquent poem reflecting on labor.
- “El Libro” – A poetic tribute to the power of books.
- “Bohemia” – A poem of love and hope.
- “Ven Desnuda” – A lyrical piece evoking sensuality.
- “Mejor Así” – A poem exploring themes of melancholy and introspection.
Nonfiction Work
- “De las presunciones” – This work was awarded the prestigious “Luis Felipe Borja” prize.
Unpublished (Inéditas) Works
- “Cóndor-Llacta” – An epic about the Province of Bolívar.
- “Trompetas Heroicas” – Epic songs.
- “Microcosmos” – A collection of lyrical poems.
- “Luciérnaga Filosófica” – Philosophical essays.
- “Las Categorías: historia y comentario” – An essay on ontology.
- “Existencialismo y esencialismo” – A contemporary metaphysical essay.
References
- “Roberto Alfredo Arregui Chauvín.” Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. Retrieved on September 23, 2024.
- Velasco Almeida, Jaime Enrique. “Discurso del Sr. Prof. Jaime Enrique Velasco Almeida, en el Recital de los poemas de Roberto Alfredo Arregui Chauvin.” Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. Retrieved on September 23, 2024.