In your opinion, what is civilization? How does it manifest itself? What distinguishes a human being from an animal?

I think quite a lot about what values Ukraine is paying such an expensive price for, what kind of world we do we want to live in, and what exactly we are defending at the cost of our lives.

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead reportedly asked students what they thought was the first sign of civilization. They started naming fishing hooks, clay pots, or polished stones.

But actually, Mead said, the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture is a femur that was broken and then healed. Mead explained that if a living thing in the animal kingdom breaks a leg, it dies. With a broken leg, it cannot run away from danger, get to a river to drink, or hunt for food. It becomes prey to predators because the bone takes a long time to heal.

A femur that was broken and then healed is proof that someone took the time to stay with the person who suffered that injury, dressed their wounds, carried the person to safety, and guarded them until they recovered. "Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts," Mead said.

I remembered recently how we rescued a cat named Gloria in Borodianka, taking her down from a destroyed residential building. It was probably irrational, but at that time, it was impossible to imagine any other way.

Many stories happened to us. A lot of people died, and a lot of fates were maimed. But we don't give up. I look at the people around me. Everyone is very tired, but we continue this marathon. For us, for our future, and for those who gave their lives for freedom and justice.

Do you continue to believe in humanity? What keeps your faith?

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