"In the forty years of the people's republic, some of the worst historical traits were preserved in our people. These included even the common characteristics developed in the economic reality of the time of partitions in the 17th and 18th centuries"

This quote by Andrzej Wajda speaks with the unfortunate reality of individuals's Republic of Poland, which existed for forty years. Throughout this time, a lot of the worst historical qualities of the Polish people were protected. These qualities were established during the time of partitions in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Poland was divided among its neighbors. This period of economic hardship and political instability had a lasting impact on the Polish people, and the results were still present in the People's Republic. Wajda's quote functions as a pointer of the significance of comprehending the past in order to move forward in the present. It also talks to the requirement for a more equitable and just society, one that does not perpetuate the very same errors of the past.