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Six months before he died in an Arctic penal colony, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny wrote about his hopes for his country, his love of family and literature, and the maxim that had shaped his way of thinking: "I believe that Russia will be happy and free", he said. "And I don't believe in death."
A longtime critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin shared his thoughts in response to a questionnaire sent to political prisoners across Russia by Boris Akunin, one of the country's most popular writers, long in exile.
He published the prisoners' responses in an e-book in October last year. In January, Russia declared Akunin a foreign agent and added him to a list of terrorists and extremists because of his opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Here are Navalny's questions and answers.
From the prison authorities, I keep hearing this phrase: "Hmmm, you seem to be in a good mood today." So, I'll sum it up like this: I'm a political prisoner who misses his family, work and colleagues a lot, but still keeps his spirits up. I am also a reader. I spend most of the day with a book in my hands.
I believe in God and in science. I think we live in a non-predetermined Universe and that we have free will. I believe that we are not alone in this Universe. I believe that our actions and works will be appreciated one day. I believe in true love. I believe that Russia will be happy and free. And I don't believe in death.
When you make the most important decisions, do you trust reason or instinct?
There is no contradiction here, it is a false alternative. Evolution has made us not to think too deeply and too long, when we see that we have a snake in the bed. On the other hand, we don't make snap decisions to build a snake-proof house. There is a great book about this called Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. I recommend you.
What is the most important thing in life?
To be useful to society and remain a good person.
What brings you the most joy?
Simple family moments. Like when we all travel together by car. One of us starts singing, and everyone else joins in. And we don't stop without singing a few more songs. And love and happiness flow naturally.
What saddens you the most?
Many people's lack of readiness to think, their lack of understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Every time someone says to me: "Corruption does not affect my life", or "those in power have finished stealing, but if others come, they will start stealing from the beginning". I think: How is it possible that hundreds of millions of years of evolution have given these people a mind – and they don't use it?
What is the thing that brings the greatest evil to man and mankind?
All evil needs to triumph is the inactivity of good people. It's a phrase that has been attributed to many, but no one knows exactly who said it. It is very accurate. The hypocrisy of neutrality, "apoliticism", hiding laziness, cowardice and wickedness are the reason why a handful of organized laws have ruled over millions of people throughout history.
Engaging in the battle of good versus neutral.
Which art form has the most influence on you?
I love literature and think I know something about it. I like movies, music and architecture, but I don't know much about them. As for the rest of the arts, I am telling you diplomatically: "I treat them with respect." Literature has more influence than any other art form. After all, it works through your imagination. And what could be stronger than that?
Do you have a favorite maxim?
I do not have. I have a maxim which contains the word "maxim". "Act in such a way that the maxim of your action becomes a universal rule of conduct." It is one of Kant's formulations on the moral law.
It is similar to the Bible's golden rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"). The biblical version is more merciful. Kant's version is, I think, more responsible, and I choose it. Following each of these rules is difficult, but I think we should try.
Of the books you have read, which is the most important?
"The Adventures of Hakëlberri Fin". When I read it, at the age of 10 or 11, I realized that books could be not only boring and useful, but also impossible to put down and make you laugh after every page. So I started reading. I always feel very sorry for those who don't read books. Surely, in their childhood, they were not lucky enough to have the right book fall into their hands.
Do you have a role model?
There were and are many good people – brave, talented, kind and intelligent – and I can't pick just one.
What is Russia for you today?
A place where I understand everyone and feel at home. A place where my language is spoken and my people live. I am able to separate the country from the government, so in these dramatic times I love Russia much more than ever. / Newsweek - Bota.al
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