Artur Zaguła
„Culture is something more” is as catchy as it is ambiguous. The advantage of this phrase lies within this ambiguity which makes it possible for anyone to add their own “little narration”. I would like to, contrariwise to both editors’ intentions and the modern world, convince that this “something more” lies not within the purely material domain and that acting in culture stems not from purely pragmatic and financial factors but from the desire of getting to know the world and oneself. This does not mean that it has no direct influence on our lives and lives of communities in which we live. I would like to propose a thesis that this “something more” is the improvement of our lives – as units and as communities.

We recognise our individual existence only in relation to the environment in which we live. We are  members of families, residents of cities or regions and citizens of a nation state. Our identity originates in the context and in the presence of what surrounds us. Culture is that domain in which recognising oneself in the face of the community on the level of values is very important (other such domains are religion, politics and ethical systems). By participating in culture we can learn both in a practical way and on the level of possibilities to recognise values. This is one of the most vital human needs. A human being has a great need for “knowledge” about what is good and what is bad. Artistic acts, both by practice and observation, give the possibility of testing oneself and others.

We all know very well that we can test our role in the society in a purely practical way. W can become engineers, bankers or we can create companies and obtain results that will benefit ourselves and the communities in which we live (taxes, creating jobs for others or charity). Since the dawn of first civilizations, people wanted to participate in what we call today culture. Because it is culture that gives us the possibility of reflection which goes beyond pure pragmatism. It goes into an area of values which are as important to the survival of a community as material values. Cultural self-knowledge gives great satisfaction. It makes a people’s lives more enjoyable and raises them to a comfort level which was once attainable only for the richest members of the society.

These reflections were strengthened  during classes I tutored within the scope of a project ran by the editors of “Purpose”. During these classes I presented modern cultural trends to the unemployed and groups in risk of losing their jobs. It would seem that a man without a job or one who grew up in poverty should think about only practical goals and making money. Participant’s interest and response made me realise that the need of participating in culture lies deep inside all people regardless of their social status.

Culture itself and practicing it gives people great nonmaterial satisfaction. This makes many of us participate in it even though we are aware that we will not make as much money as in other branches. It does not mean that today it is impossible to harmonise material and transcendental values. Which is what I wish to all of you.

Text: Artur Zaguła