For me personally, the most pleasant surprise of the last few months has been the appearance of Professor Budil, who has brought back to the Czech debate the national ideal with appropriate pathos and a clearly articulated rational Enlightenment conservatism (as opposed to the eccentric nostalgic one).
Of course, this ideal needs constant “changing into small pieces”. We need to understand what it means for the concrete lives of concrete people. But Professor Budil reminded us of the importance of combining the two.
Of course, this ideal needs constant “changing into small pieces”. We need to understand what it means for the concrete lives of concrete people.
For the nation! For freedom! For the good of humanity! – are just empty cries or even tools of manipulation if they are not filled with concrete content.
For cheaper electricity! – That’s just so grocery store. Politicians provide cheaper electricity, voters provide votes in return. Actually, it’s no different than buying a roll at a convenience store. I have nothing against grocers (small businessmen), but it’s not enough to restore the nation state. Even the cheaper electricity has to be backed by ideals.
The power is in that connection – big ideals and concrete activities that manifest themselves in everyday life.
