A really profound piece, Damir.Thank you for writing it. It strikes me that perhaps people long for the excitement that they find in difference- be that a new partner, a new environment, or, in your case, which is not historically uncommon, a lust for seeing the world and even conflict. When I read the news of the US situation, it strikes me that perhaps both sides somewhat wish they were part of a revolutionary, almost titanic struggle to the death... of course, as you've written, for the vast majority, they live their lives as normally as possible even during the most turbulent of eras.
Do you see any danger for such yearning or even at the tired attempt to just get on with your life as the Ukrainians are now doing it seems. Reading polling, it appears most now are ready to do a deal with Russia, even if my own instinct tells me it's against their own best interest. Is there perhaps a necessity to try and keep the 'excitement' and importance of conflict going as energising?
I don't know how to answer any of that Sam. Many things are true at the same time — including the desire for the war to end, a desire for normalcy, knowing the Russians can't be trusted, a desire to keep fighting, a desire for revenge against the Russians, an acknowledgment that things are going poorly, that people are leaving and not coming back, that the country is getting ravaged...
I agree with John and Sam - it is a terrific piece. Damir, I’m wondering if you have anything to offer about the mood of the Poles from your time in Warsaw. How worried are they? Is preparation for conflict with Russia underway in a significant and obvious way? My husband is Polish, and we had been planning a trip to Poland this month, but cancelled it on the advice of some of his relatives. His younger cousins - those in their 30s and 40s - encouraged us to come. They are still optimistic, living their lives to the fullest. But his older cousins, whose nightmares are shaped by their experiences in WWII and communist Poland (Ivan Krastev would not be surprised!), told us not to come now. Things are bad, they said, but offered nothing more. Appreciate your thoughts.
Alas, I really was just passing through Warsaw — two nights in hotels. I will just say that Poland's growth figures are impressive, and the city at least superficially felt very dynamic and alive. But that's really just passing-through vibes. I'd like to go spend some more time there.
Terrific piece Damir, thank you for sharing!
A really profound piece, Damir.Thank you for writing it. It strikes me that perhaps people long for the excitement that they find in difference- be that a new partner, a new environment, or, in your case, which is not historically uncommon, a lust for seeing the world and even conflict. When I read the news of the US situation, it strikes me that perhaps both sides somewhat wish they were part of a revolutionary, almost titanic struggle to the death... of course, as you've written, for the vast majority, they live their lives as normally as possible even during the most turbulent of eras.
Do you see any danger for such yearning or even at the tired attempt to just get on with your life as the Ukrainians are now doing it seems. Reading polling, it appears most now are ready to do a deal with Russia, even if my own instinct tells me it's against their own best interest. Is there perhaps a necessity to try and keep the 'excitement' and importance of conflict going as energising?
I don't know how to answer any of that Sam. Many things are true at the same time — including the desire for the war to end, a desire for normalcy, knowing the Russians can't be trusted, a desire to keep fighting, a desire for revenge against the Russians, an acknowledgment that things are going poorly, that people are leaving and not coming back, that the country is getting ravaged...
Thanks for the response damir, I really appreciate it :) Both the piece and the response has given me a lot to think about :)
Great writing Damir. Really enjoyed reading it.
I agree with John and Sam - it is a terrific piece. Damir, I’m wondering if you have anything to offer about the mood of the Poles from your time in Warsaw. How worried are they? Is preparation for conflict with Russia underway in a significant and obvious way? My husband is Polish, and we had been planning a trip to Poland this month, but cancelled it on the advice of some of his relatives. His younger cousins - those in their 30s and 40s - encouraged us to come. They are still optimistic, living their lives to the fullest. But his older cousins, whose nightmares are shaped by their experiences in WWII and communist Poland (Ivan Krastev would not be surprised!), told us not to come now. Things are bad, they said, but offered nothing more. Appreciate your thoughts.
Alas, I really was just passing through Warsaw — two nights in hotels. I will just say that Poland's growth figures are impressive, and the city at least superficially felt very dynamic and alive. But that's really just passing-through vibes. I'd like to go spend some more time there.