I dream of Poland becoming a modern society that is defined not by the crippling nature of history, but by our individual achievements, a sense of our own self-worth and ideas for the future.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes envisioning a future for Poland that is shaped by personal accomplishments and self-value rather than historical burdens.
Olga Tokarczuk's quote reflects a desire for Poland to evolve into a modern society that prioritizes individual achievements and a positive self-image over the constraints imposed by its historical events. It encourages a forward-looking perspective where the citizens are empowered to define their identity and future based on personal and collective aspirations rather than being overshadowed by the past. This vision champions the notion of transformation and progress through self-worth and innovation.
In practice
This quote can inspire youth during a graduation speech about their future.
But the fact is we did have colonies in the east of Poland, we did have a slave economy there. But this is not common knowledge - or part of our national myth. It goes against the current romanticised view of the government, and much of the country, that Poles have always been victims, never oppressors.
My books are not 'political.' I don't make political demands. They actually describe life. But when we look at human life, politics creeps in everywhere.
I think that first-person narration is very characteristic of contemporary optics, in which the individual performs the role of subjective center of the world.
The world is a fabric we weave daily on the great looms of information, discussions, films, books, gossip, little anecdotes.
I first read Sigmund Freud's 'Beyond the Pleasure Principle' as a young girl, and it helped me to understand that there are thousands of possible ways to interpret our experience, that everything has a meaning, and that interpretation is the key to reality. This was the first step to becoming a writer.
Well-written novels make you more empathetic towards other people. You can identify with someone who isn't you. You can change your identity. A 14-year-old boy can become Anna Karenina. It is a miracle.
Change from below, the formulation of demands from the populace to end unacceptable injustice, supported by direct action, has played a far larger part in shaping British democracy than most constitutional lawyers, political commentators, historians or statesmen have ever cared to admit. Direct action in a democratic society is fundamentally an educational exercise.
The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific and religious freedom have always been nonconformists.
How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?
Citizens, not less generous than myself, let your most precious moments be employed in causing the past to be forgotten; let all my fellow-citizens swear never to recall the past; let them receive their misled brethren with open arms, and let them, in future, be on their guard against the traps of bad men.
In too many instances, the march to globalization has also meant the marginalization of women and girls. And that must change.
Reorganization to me is shuffling boxes, moving boxes around. Transformation means that you're really fundamentally changing the way the organization thinks, the way it responds, the way it leads. It's a lot more than just playing with boxes.
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