(This article is more of a philosophical reflection by the author and does not directly describe any events from the training camp).
The topic of this article came to me while I was on duty at the checkpoint.
Nowadays, many Ukrainians ask themselves, “Is it worth it?” For example, a person has a choice: to go to Germany and live well there, or to stay in Ukraine.
By staying in Ukraine, I have to pay a pretty high price. Why, or more precisely, what exactly am I paying this price for?
In other words, it’s Ukraine’s identity. Right now, in order to preserve Ukraine, we need sacrifices and effort. After victory, in order to rebuild Ukraine, we will need sacrifices and effort.
Usually, when it becomes difficult for you to do something, in order to continue doing it, you need to clearly understand why you need it. What is the value or benefit for you? Why are you doing this?
Remembering Stepan Bandera and other figures of the Ukrainian movement. What motivated them? What was so special that he and people like him saw in Ukraine? What was so special that they were willing to fight for it and even give their lives? What did Bandera see that was so special in the idea of Ukraine when he prophesied, “The time will come when one will say, ‘Glory to Ukraine!’ and millions will respond, ‘Glory to the heroes!’” Why was he so sure that the time would come when millions would respond, “Glory to the heroes!”? What was the basis for his confidence?
I believe that in our time it is very important for us to find the answer to this question. I think that the answer to these questions will help us understand and explain to ourselves why we must suffer now, during the war, to protect Ukraine. And why, for what reason, we will have to suffer and live in difficult conditions for a long time after the war to lift Ukraine out of the economic abyss.
Now, people often rely on the following motivational idea: if we do not defend ourselves, we will simply be destroyed and enslaved. There will be chaos throughout Ukraine. Yes, this is true. Right now, this is a clear and understandable motivational idea.
But when we win, will this idea give us the strength and motivation to work hard and selflessly to lift Ukraine out of its economic crisis? I don’t think so. I believe that we also need a deeper and more comprehensive idea.
I don’t know what idea motivated the Ukrainian heroes of the past. But if we ask today what idea, what word unites all Ukrainians, it is probably independence. Independence, resilience, will, and freedom. These are the words that touch the souls and hearts of Ukrainians most today.
Right now, we are fighting for independence and freedom from Russia. This is a clear and distinct goal. But when this evil disappears or is defeated, will our idea and identity of independence also disappear?
The Russian Empire is a temporary phenomenon. But why do we seek independence from the Russian Empire? Every person tries to avoid grief and find happiness. Simply put, throughout history, Russia has brought us grief and prevented us from developing to achieve happiness.
Right now, Russia is the biggest source of grief and unhappiness for us. But it’s not the only thing that stops us from growing. We have internal problems, like corruption.
So, for our identity to be more inclusive, it should probably sound like this: we want independence from anything that stops us from being happy.
Thus, having overcome one phenomenon that prevents us from being happy, we will begin to fight other phenomena that hinder our development towards happiness. For example, we can direct our efforts towards fighting corruption.
In this way, we strive not for permissiveness, but for freedom and independence from everything that can hinder us on the path to true happiness.
As you can see, this topic is open and unfinished. It is more like reflection and research. And in these reflections, there are more questions than answers. Therefore, if you have any ideas or thoughts, please write them in the comments. I read all your comments on Reddit.
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