This year, Ukraine celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence.
Quarter of a century.
9,132 days.
Is that a lot or little?
When we sang "Lots of us together, we cannot be defeated" – it seems that there were more than 50 million of us. But eventually we were defeated.
Now there are fewer of us. But we stand better.
Maybe because we see and understand better. Wider. Sharper.
Not all of us. For this is a free country.
Some think that we have been subdued, deceived, and divided. To some it seems that we won. We believe that the both were right – repeatedly.
This is a process. And that is why no matter who promises what – there will be no final outcome. Even during the lifetime of one generation. Because the generation now lives longer, and things happen faster. So, stocking popcorn is not recommended – during the time spent on popcorn, one may miss a bunch of important things and wake up in a completely empty cinema.
Due to populists and sofa-based experts, the value and weight of words are decreasing. It is good in a sense, we get used to evaluating results, not words. Ultimately, it is with results that we live.
However, nobody makes us do anything. This is also – a choice. Although it is tempting: to ask not to interfere with those who are doing something. Even if imperfectly – the more so if they do that well. Even if you know exactly how to do it better. If you know – do it, or help do it.
Sometimes they say that culture is a by-product of civilization. "The foam of days".
But without this foam, the civilizational wave chokes, turns into the entertainment industry without meaning, just for the sake of wheels.
In Ukraine, in recent years, hundreds of initiatives have appeared – rich in content, diverse. Simple and sophisticated. Inspired.
Thus..
Write. Sing. Recite. Sew. Draw. Embrace. Build. Sympathize. Do anything that helps understand each other.
But for that sake one needs to understand oneself.
In fact, culture begins with that question.
Thus..
Feel free to share your time, money, and attention – with those who invest themselves completely into this "foam of days". What depends on that is which color our sky will be – not tomorrow, but already today. Because now the generation lives longer, and things happen faster.
Happy Independence Day.
Glory to Ukraine!