January 30th is an important day in Estonian cultural history. Estonian literature, which is at the heart of Estonian culture, is celebrated as a national holiday. On December 7, 2022, our Congress decided that literature was important enough to wind under the wings of this popular initiative. And for good reason.
Only through Estonian literature is the Estonian spirit and thought born, developed and preserved. We were given names around us, our stories were told about what was happening within us. It didn’t happen anywhere and it doesn’t speak for anyone else.
January 30th marks the 145th birthday of Anton Hansen Tamsare. Anton Hansen in his Tamsare in 1934 expressed an interesting and compelling paradox.
The more specific a perception, emotion, or story is, the more personal it is, and the more universal it is at the same time.
In a time when the whole world seems to be switching to headlines and slogans, smart people need to know that true knowledge and understanding can only be discovered by digging deep and reading critically.
Reading literature, especially in your native language, broadens your thinking, your perception of the world, and your perception of others and yourself. We learn to express ourselves more precisely and subtly and develop our own style and specialty. Many conflicts in our lives are caused by inadequate self-expression and ability to understand others, so we need the skills to express ourselves concisely in all walks of life, situations and places. .
Too often, we browse social media and news portals in search of an abundant life and escape from our fear of missing opportunities. Yet all of it breathes and crystallizes far more brilliantly in the diversity of Estonian literature.
Having our own language and culture is never taken for granted in a small country, so we must cherish our culture and its creators. Let us remind you of Estonian Literature Day.
I wish you many good readings and thoughts!
—
Follow ERR News on Facebook, twitter Never miss an update!
