Anastasiia ~ Hryhorii Skovoroda: Ukrainian contemporary of Robert Burns

In the times when Robert Burns celebrated the beauty of his native Scotland, in the lands of Ukraine lived Hryhorii Skovoroda – a traveling philosopher, poet, musician, teacher,  and a man called “Ukrainian Socrates'“.

From the first time I read his work in primary school, he seemed to me a uninspiring moralist. As an adult, I discovered a very extraordinary personality whose lifestyle was more like a Kyiv hipster who would love to explore indie coffee shops and conduct dialogues on ecological problems if he lived today.

In his thoughts, Skovoroda relied on "Holy Scripture" and ancient philosophers but found inspiration in Sloboda Ukraine. I want to share a couple of his ideas that will help you understand Skovoroda if you are reading him for the first time.

“Gold against freedom, it is like a swamp.” In his poetic work, particularly in fables, Skovoroda often criticized the contemporary system. Most of all, he was confused by the serfdom system and its destructive effect on the character of society because instead of fighting for freedom, people pleased the enslavers. For Skovoroda, losing freedom was the worst thing that could happen.

“The soul is amused by congenial work.” Skovoroda believed the source of true happiness is creative work in accordance with one's natural inclinations; the true essence of a person lies in a love for labor and in the quest for a path toward "universal happiness.” Freedom of choice and self-knowledge make it possible to find congenial work. He devoted his life to teaching, philosophy, music, and travel.

“The world tried to catch me but failed” – Skovoroda’s epitaph and artistic summary of his life, which became one of his most popular quotations. Ukrainian history in the 18th century was a period of statehood loss and aggressive assimilation by the Russian Empire. Skovoroda’s story is not a story about fighting. However, it is a story about choice for personal freedom, which was reflected in his works, thoughts, and lifestyle. That made him an important inspiration for future Ukrainians who fought and won their right to independence, cultural identity, and choice.

If you would like to read some of his work translated click here.