Do You Really Want to Die for an Idea?
Historical Background To Be Understood and Challenged
Do you ever wonder why you have a fighter spirit within you? Do you question why you feel the need to sacrifice for a great cause? Do you struggle to relax, feeling a constant drive to ignite change in the world?
Would you please allow me to take you to one aspect that could contribute greatly to such feelings?
Growing up in a post-communist setting, I often felt that the spirit of the community around me was deeply influenced by a history of struggle and sacrifice. The stories I heard from my parents and grandparents about life under the communist regime painted a picture of a society where personal freedoms were severely restricted and dissent was met with harsh repercussions. These tales fostered a belief that fighting for one's ideas and being willing to sacrifice everything for a cause was not only noble but necessary.
The older generations, having lived through the repression, valued freedom and independence so highly that they seemed ready to defend these ideals at any cost. Their experiences had shaped them into resilient individuals who believed that some battles were worth fighting, even to the point of risking one's life.
However, as I grew older and began to explore different perspectives, I started to question whether this combative spirit was the only way to approach challenges.
Psychology teaches us about resilience as the ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity. This adaptation doesn’t always mean fighting; it can also mean finding new ways to cope and move forward. As Dr. Martin Seligman, a prominent psychologist, puts it:
"Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward."
I noticed this shift in my own life and in the lives of those around me. Instead of fighting against perceived threats, many began to build community ties, believing in a positive change that did not require a battle. For instance, opposite my home, there is a community garden project that I observe from my window. It was a small, peaceful act that brought people together and fostered a sense of collective identity and purpose. This approach seemed to echo the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."
Generational changes also played a significant role in this transformation. My younger cousins, who never experienced the communist regime, had a different outlook. They were more inclined to embrace global values like human rights and environmental sustainability. They preferred dialogue and negotiation over confrontation.
Lastly, the impact of globalisation and increased connectivity cannot be overlooked. Exposure to global ideas and movements provided us with alternative models of activism and change. These influences showed us that collaboration and innovation could be powerful tools for achieving our goals. As Kofi Annan wisely said:
"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."
Reflecting on my historical context, I realised that while the spirit of struggle and sacrifice shaped my early understanding of resilience, it was a more adaptive, peaceful, and collaborative approach that I longed for.
Of course, the legacy of the post-communist experience is complex and multifaceted, but it is the diversity that allows us to appreciate the various ways we can shape our futures and make a positive impact in the world.
Ps: So perhaps understanding this part of our history can help us see the broader picture of living together rather than sacrificial dying for various ideas and finding new, peaceful ways to achieve our goals.
