Hegel writes in his Philosophie des Rechts, that it is a mistake to consider patriotism only as “a willingness to perform extraordinary sacrifices and actions”. Professor Smith at Yale writes that patriotism is not something expressed only in times of national crisis; it is required under “the normal conditions and circumstances of life”. It is a quiet virtue, which does not demand dramatic acts of heroic self-sacrifice, but rather a willingness to be “tried and tested in all circumstances of ordinary life.”
You are committed to the most extraordinary demands of patriotism, but also live the quiet virtue of patriotism, in ordinary life, through the daily performance of civic duties for your countrymen. The national life you chose is the one you will not regret. You embody the values of West Point - Duty, Honor, Country: обов'язок, честь, країна
Most graduates don't know if anything they do is meaningful in the face of eternity and wonder with existential dread if they will ever do something worthwhile to humanity, and pleasing to God.
I just randomly encountered your blog and I am impressed by your story, your decisions and actions. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors and I will keep reading your blog (hopefully with more positive news for you and your people in the future).
Hegel writes in his Philosophie des Rechts, that it is a mistake to consider patriotism only as “a willingness to perform extraordinary sacrifices and actions”. Professor Smith at Yale writes that patriotism is not something expressed only in times of national crisis; it is required under “the normal conditions and circumstances of life”. It is a quiet virtue, which does not demand dramatic acts of heroic self-sacrifice, but rather a willingness to be “tried and tested in all circumstances of ordinary life.”
You are committed to the most extraordinary demands of patriotism, but also live the quiet virtue of patriotism, in ordinary life, through the daily performance of civic duties for your countrymen. The national life you chose is the one you will not regret. You embody the values of West Point - Duty, Honor, Country: обов'язок, честь, країна
Most graduates don't know if anything they do is meaningful in the face of eternity and wonder with existential dread if they will ever do something worthwhile to humanity, and pleasing to God.
You will never have to.
With great respect and admiration,
William G.M. Joo
https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/douglasmacarthurthayeraward.html
Thank you for these kind words and reflection, and for sharing MacArthur's speech. What a powerful text!
Beautiful piece Oleksii. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you!
the metaphor of pink glasses deeply resonated with me. Thank you and good luck!
Thank you for this. I'm graduating next year, and I needed to hear this
Coffee in Kyiv once you come back?)
I just randomly encountered your blog and I am impressed by your story, your decisions and actions. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors and I will keep reading your blog (hopefully with more positive news for you and your people in the future).
I'm so deeply impressed and proud. Please stay safe.
Thank you!