“My three big times are Literature and ArtsPopular Fronts and Days time,» November 5, 1994 Saturdays (the first colorful Sests) talked about his life in a salon interview Days chief editor Sarmīte Ālerte.
“The time at the front was the most romantic. Life, work and feelings were together then, it was a way of life. This only happens during revolutions. At that time, a liberal and a social democrat could sit in the same room and understand each other, because the LTF basically carried only one idea: Latvia must be an independent country. That house on Old Town Street, which was full day and night, people who gave their best emotions and minds, who drank vodka, but, by the way, never worked during… Walking up the stairs, sometimes there were hordes of rats, sometimes journalists from American and European news agencies, people from the world’s most influential television companies were moving around – the intensity of life was fantastic. These people had different political opinions and criteria of honesty, but - which has remained since then ?I empathize with the fate of those people, no matter how unacceptable some of them are to me now.It is the consciousness of the common childhood people rarely do anything, and I have a bit of an instinct that I am responsible for them. Maybe someone I don’t count on feels the same responsibility for me. Well, for example, one, who I will not name: a corrupt ferret, it’s written on his face. But if he was not doing well, it would probably become my problem and I might think: can I help him find a job? Or the same Ivan, about whom I have thought a lot, who, in my opinion, has suffered the most from both the love and hatred of the people. I know that history is ungrateful and it’s pathetic to ask… well, this unspoken demand of the intelligentsia: we made a revolution, but now… So I really like what Riga Time said Belševica – that asking for satisfaction is humiliating. You did it and that’s it, now you’re an artist, create your own works. What is better – modest prosperity and censorship or the opportunity to create freely and suffer with utility bills?”
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Interview Title: Reflections from the Frontlines: A Conversation on Revolution and Responsibility
Interviewer (Sarmīte Ālerte): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of discussing the intricate layers of revolutions and their impacts on society with a remarkable expert in the field. Thank you for joining us.
Expert: Thank you, Sarmīte! It’s a pleasure to be here and delve into such an important topic.
Sarmīte Ālerte: You spoke passionately about your experiences during a pivotal time in Latvia’s history, a time you described as ‘the most romantic.’ Can you elaborate on what made that time feel so romantic and significant for you personally?
Expert: Absolutely, Sarmīte. The period I’m referring to was charged with an exhilarating blend of hope, shared conviction, and intense collaboration. When people from different political backgrounds came together under a common cause—Latvia’s independence—it created a singular sense of unity. The discussions and debates felt alive, almost poetic. It wasn’t just about politics; it was about life, art, and the human experience.
Sarmīte Ālerte: You mentioned that both liberals and social democrats were able to sit together and understand each other. In today’s political climate, that seems almost impossible. What do you think has changed?
Expert: It’s striking, isn’t it? The context has shifted dramatically. During the revolution, the shared goal of independence transcended partisan divides. Today, polarization dominates political discourse. The sense of urgency and purpose that fueled those connections has become diluted by competing narratives. I believe we’ve lost sight of the ‘bigger picture’—what unites us rather than what divides us.
Sarmīte Ālerte: Your description of the physical space, particularly that house on Old Town Street, paints a vivid picture. It was filled with journalists, politicians, and, at times, even rats! How did that chaotic environment contribute to the creative output during this period?
Expert: The chaos was essential! It fostered a vibrant, electric atmosphere. You had people who were passionate, raw, and unfiltered. The vodka-fueled conversations were often filled with emotional honesty, leading to groundbreaking ideas and opinions. It reminded us that in times of upheaval, creativity and clarity can emerge from disorder.
Sarmīte Ālerte: It seems like a delicate balance of personal responsibility and collective consciousness is a recurring theme in your reflections. Can you elaborate on that instinct to feel responsible for others, even those you’ve disagreed with?
Expert: I think it’s fundamental to our humanity. The experiences we share, especially in moments of struggle, create bonds that are hard to break. Even those I may find morally unacceptable today evoke a sense of empathy from me. We’re all part of this collective narrative, and there’s an inherent responsibility to look out for one another, especially for those who seem lost or misguided. Perhaps it’s a way of acknowledging the complexity of human nature.
Sarmīte Ālerte: It’s a powerful perspective, indeed! As we wrap up, what message do you want to leave our readers about revolutions and the vital connections forged during those tumultuous times?
Expert: Revolutions are more than just political upheavals; they are moments of profound transformation that challenge us to reconsider our values and our interconnectedness. We must strive to bridge divides and cultivate understanding; otherwise, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. Remember, empathy is a powerful tool for change.
Sarmīte Ālerte: Thank you so much for sharing your insights today. Your reflections remind us that amidst chaos, there is always room for hope, creativity, and human connection.
Expert: Thank you, Sarmīte. It’s been a pleasure discussing these themes with you!