Tokarczuk na UMCS tworzy nową definicję kultury? “Akt nieposłuszeństwa przeciwko uporowi autorytetów”. “Lęk kolonizuje nasze umysły”

Tokarczuk na UMCS tworzy nową definicję kultury? “Akt nieposłuszeństwa przeciwko uporowi autorytetów”. “Lęk kolonizuje nasze umysły”

**Title: Olga Tokarczuk at UMCS: Crafting a New Definition of Culture – “An Act of Defiance Against the Persistence of Authority”**

**Subtitle: The Nobel Laureate challenges the status quo, urging a cultural shift as fear “colonizes our minds” in a thought-provoking lecture.**

In a powerful and thought-provoking speech at the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska (UMCS) in Lublin, Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk has called for a redefinition of culture, presenting it as “an act of defiance against the persistence of authority.” Tokarczuk’s lecture, which drew widespread attention, delved into the complexities of modern cultural landscapes, shedding light on how fear has come to dominate the collective consciousness of societies.

Tokarczuk, who is renowned for her exploration of complex human emotions, identity, and societal issues, addressed a packed auditorium, where students, academics, and artists listened intently to her bold ideas. The lecture focused on the necessity of breaking free from traditional cultural norms, challenging entrenched power structures, and embracing a more inclusive, diverse, and open-minded approach to culture.

**”Culture should be an act of defiance, an act of rebellion against the forces that try to control our narratives,”** Tokarczuk told the audience. **”It is about creating spaces where freedom, creativity, and questioning authority are not just encouraged but required.”**

Drawing on her vast literary experience, Tokarczuk spoke about how culture has often been shaped by authoritarian figures and institutions that stifle creativity and limit intellectual freedom. She argued that the forces of authority—whether political, religious, or societal—have long held a tight grip on cultural production, often dictating what is acceptable and what is not.

**”Fear,” Tokarczuk continued, “colonizes our minds, leading us to conform to expectations and norms rather than pursuing independent thought and expression.”** She emphasized that this fear, whether stemming from historical trauma or present-day political and social pressures, has become a pervasive force that inhibits personal and collective growth.

The writer also highlighted how the concept of “fear” has evolved in the modern world, evolving from personal anxieties to broader societal and even global apprehensions. Tokarczuk expressed concern that the increasing spread of conservative ideologies, along with the rising influence of authoritarian figures, is limiting the freedom of artistic and intellectual expression in Poland and around the world.

**”Fear is not only a political tool; it is a mental prison,”** Tokarczuk remarked, urging her listeners to actively challenge the systems that perpetuate such fears. She encouraged the younger generation, in particular, to look beyond conventional frameworks of authority and develop a culture that is more free-thinking, open to difference, and liberated from the constraints of fear.

In her speech, Tokarczuk also reflected on her own journey as a writer, explaining how her works, often centered around themes of migration, identity, and existential uncertainty, reflect a rejection of the norm and an embrace of the unknown. Her groundbreaking novel *Flights* explores the idea of movement, both physical and intellectual, urging readers to embrace the fluidity of existence and the complexity of human nature.

**”If we are to redefine culture,”** Tokarczuk said, **”we must first let go of the fear that has been ingrained in us. Only then can we open ourselves to new ideas and possibilities, allowing for a culture that is truly free.”**

Tokarczuk’s words resonated with many in the audience, particularly students who are navigating a rapidly changing world. Many expressed their admiration for her bold stance on intellectual freedom and her call to action for young people to reshape the cultural landscape.

**The speech comes at a time when Poland, and many other countries around the world, are facing increasing political polarization and cultural divides.** As conservative movements gain traction, there are growing concerns over the censorship of artistic expression, especially when it comes to challenging topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, migration, and historical reckoning. Tokarczuk’s remarks, thus, felt particularly timely, as she urged those in attendance to take responsibility for the direction in which culture is heading.

**Her speech also touches on the deep-rooted tension between tradition and progress,** suggesting that in order to move forward, societies must be willing to dismantle the old structures that no longer serve the people’s needs and open the doors to new ideas and diverse perspectives.

Tokarczuk’s thoughts on culture are not merely academic; they have real-world implications for how we navigate the complexities of our increasingly globalized, yet often fractured, world. Her call to action is clear: to build a culture of intellectual freedom, creativity, and inclusion, we must challenge the fear that limits us and embrace a future where ideas are no longer confined by the limitations of past authorities.

As the event at UMCS concluded, many in the audience were left reflecting on Tokarczuk’s challenge to their understanding of culture and society. The Nobel laureate’s lecture may very well mark the beginning of a cultural movement—one where fear no longer holds power over our minds, and where culture can once again become a space for bold ideas, diverse voices, and limitless possibility.