"When we were engaged in the problems of survival we had no time to have anything to do with culture"
- Nursultan Nazarbayev
About this Quote
This quote by Nursultan Nazarbayev speaks to the significance of survival and the absence of time for culture when survival is the main focus. It suggests that when individuals are struggling to survive, they have no time to dedicate to culture. This could be translated as a caution against permitting individuals to become so focused on survival that they neglect their culture. It could likewise be translated as a tip that culture is essential and must not be forgotten in times of difficulty. It is a suggestion that culture is an important part of life and need to not be overlooked, even in times of struggle. It is a pointer that culture is a valuable part of life and ought to be supported and protected, even in times of problem.
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"Of course as children, we all, in all cultures and societies, learn behavior from observation, imitation, and encouragement of various kinds. So by the suggestion made, we all 'pretend' most of the time"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
