As an 11-year-old boy in 1941, I yearned to join the frontlines of the Great Patriotic War, my heart swelling with the same fervor as the heroes whose tales filled our radios. The station, guarded like a fortress, remained beyond my reach, but the war etched itself into my soul. I witnessed mothers’ tearless eyes, wives clutching folded flags, and children who grew old too soon. War, I learned, is a thief - stealing futures, leaving scars no victory parade can heal.

For 31 years, I served the Soviet Army, rising from private to colonel. I trudged through Azerbaijan’s scorching steppes, stood vigil in the Caspian sands, and endured the Arctic’s biting cold on the Novosibirsk Islands. My comrades - soldiers, officers, their families - bore hardships unimaginable to most. Why? Love for the Motherland, a pride stoked by stories of Papanin’s Arctic explorers, Chkalov’s daring flights, and Ostrovsky’s How the Steel Was Tempered. These were our compass, teaching us that sacrifice was the forge of greatness.

Yet history, I fear, is a double-edged sword. Today’s youth are accused of moral decay, but how can we blame them when our media pours poison into their jugs? “What is poured in, pours out,” warns a Georgian proverb. We once filled minds with tales of courage; now, screens scream of greed. I ache wondering: Where are the Zoyas and Matrosovs of tomorrow?

The shadows of fascism loom again - not as a ghost, but as a neighbor. In Ukraine, it’s enshrined in policy, a vile echo of 1941. I’ve walked Tbilisi’s streets, where gratitude for Russian sacrifice once bloomed, now choked by misplaced hatred. History repeats: In 1709, Mazepa’s betrayal mirrored today’s geopolitics. Europe’s leaders, like sleepwalkers, replay the 1940s, pitting nation against nation.

We stand at a precipice. The Cold War’s chill has thawed into a nuclear spring. Russia, again, bears the shield against chaos. But politicians - heed Kennedy’s clarity! War leaves no winners, only orphans.

To the young: You are not “worse” than us. You carry new battles - not against fascism, but apathy. Seek truth beyond headlines. Let your jugs hold courage, not cash.

I am Shamil Chigoev, a son of Ossetia, a soldier of history. My voice is one of millions who remember the cost of peace. Listen, before the sirens drown us out.

The Nature of Elections

Elections are known to be a sign of a democratized society. In the Soviet Union, during the era of the dictatorship of the proletariat, there were no elections. In 1936, the Stalin Constitution was adopted, proclaiming the victory of socialism in the Soviet Union. The first elections to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR took place on December 12, 1937. I remember those elections; I was seven years old then. We lived in Tbilisi, and I recall small airplanes flying over the city, dropping leaflets encouraging people to participate in the elections.

Memories of Early Soviet Elections

People went to the polls with dances, songs, and in a festive mood, as if it were a folk celebration. This reminds me of the presidential elections in 2024. Although elections to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and presidential elections are different, there are some similarities between the Soviet Union and Russia. I was involved in organizing elections to the Supreme Soviet in my position. In practice, there was no choice. The ballot had only one candidate, who would undoubtedly be elected. The candidate was appointed by the district committee, city committee, or the Central Committee of the Union Republic. The candidate gave a campaign speech to workers, employees, and collective farmers. People were allowed to write their wishes to the candidate on the back of the ballot.

Reflections on Modern Elections

I'm not familiar with the complete process of becoming a presidential candidate, but I haven't seen presidential elections since 1996. There have been changes in the positions of president and chairman of the council of ministers, but no presidential elections in Russia. Being an old person, I have seen and heard a lot. I envy Americans for how they elect their president, with fierce competition between candidates and campaign speeches in various states.

**Concerns About the 2024 Presidential Elections ** I don't remember Putin's campaign speeches or his plans for continuing his presidency. Where will he lead the country next? I've looked into the presidential candidates, and I suspect none of them have a real chance of winning. The people don't know them, and they might become known before the elections. They don't have any significant achievements for the people. I don't know what platform they will present, but I guess it will mainly be against war and for improving relations with the West. However, many decrees and laws have been passed that prohibit speaking out against these issues. They lack the main tool for an election campaign—mass media. Meanwhile, Putin can regularly and consistently make appearances across various media platforms.

The Future of Russia's Political Landscape

A well-known political figure is often attributed with saying, "It's not how people vote that matters, but how the votes are counted." We can guess how the results will be counted. The 2024 elections will show the direction in which the country is heading. Two fundamentally different paths are clashing: either the current exploiters will continue their exploitation, or they will be replaced by a new group of exploiters. As the saying goes, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

Unshakable Wealth: The Power of Reading

Introduction

Wealth is often measured in terms of material possessions or financial assets, but there is a type of wealth that cannot be taken away: the wealth of knowledge. This wealth is accumulated through reading books, enriching the mind, and expanding one's horizons. Unlike material wealth, the knowledge gained from books grows over time and shapes one's character and outlook on life.

The Journey to Knowledge

From a young age, I began to understand the immense value of reading. Growing up in a modest environment, without the luxury of a personal library or the ability to purchase books, I still found ways to immerse myself in literature. Our family lived in a small, rented house, a single room shared by six people. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford, so I often hid outdoors to read in the fading daylight, escaping into the worlds within the pages. Initially, I read indiscriminately, but as I grew older, I became more selective, delving into works that offered deeper insights and understanding.

Literature as a Mentor

Books became my mentors, offering wisdom and guidance. The works of Russian classical literature, particularly from the 19th century, played a significant role in my development. Ivan Turgenev's "First Love" and Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" were not just stories but windows into the human soul, teaching me about the complexities of life, the struggles between good and evil, and the depth of human emotion. These books were not mere entertainment; they were experiences that shaped my thinking and moral compass.

The Importance of Native Literature

While foreign literature is invaluable for broadening one's perspective, it's crucial to have a solid foundation in one's native literature. Russian literature, with its unparalleled depth and richness, stands out globally. Knowing and appreciating the literary heritage of one's own country fosters a deeper connection to one's roots and culture. The tales of Tolstoy and the humor of Chekhov taught me about my own people, our traditions, and our values. They instilled in me a sense of pride and belonging, a feeling of being part of a grand, ongoing narrative.

Reading as a Lifelong Companion

As we age, the spiritual richness that books provide becomes even more important. In solitude, the characters and stories from books become companions, offering endless opportunities for reflection and intellectual engagement. A broad literary horizon ensures that one is never alone in thought, always having something profound to contemplate. In my later years, I find solace in the words of Dickens and Hugo, their stories reminding me of the endless capacity for human resilience and compassion.

The Battle Against Cultural Degradation

In today's world, there's a growing concern about the cultural degradation brought on by mindless entertainment and the overuse of foreign terminologies. Maintaining the purity of one's language is essential as language is a core component of cultural identity. The infiltration of unnecessary foreign words dilutes this purity and, by extension, the culture itself. Our language is a living testament to our history and values. It pains me to see it corrupted by needless jargon when there are perfectly good native terms. Language, much like literature, should be preserved and cherished.

A Personal Note

As a former comrade, born in 1930 and a participant in the Caribbean Crisis, I have witnessed firsthand the power of knowledge and culture in shaping our lives. The experiences from my military service during such a critical period in history underscored the importance of being well-informed and culturally grounded. These experiences, coupled with my love for reading, have fortified my belief that true wealth lies in knowledge and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wealth of knowledge gained from reading is unshakable. It shapes individuals, enhances understanding, and enriches life in ways that material wealth cannot. Embracing both native and foreign literature, while preserving the integrity of one's language and culture, ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling intellectual life. Books are more than just pages and ink; they are a gateway to endless possibilities, a bridge to different worlds and eras, and a repository of human wisdom.

Call to Action

To cultivate this unshakable wealth, I encourage everyone to read more and explore the vast landscapes of literature. Start with the classics and expand your reading horizon. Join a book club, share your favorite reads with friends, and support local libraries. Together, let's foster a culture of lifelong learning and intellectual enrichment. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more enlightened and understanding society. Let’s treasure the stories that connect us, the wisdom that guides us, and the knowledge that empowers us.

Question: Please share the last book that impressed you.