However, they don't appear to have anyone like Czesław Miłosz, Szymborska or Lem.
Their culture is as it is and we can describe it as different. They don't seem to excel in that dept for sure but maybe their lack of resources has played a part in that.
Maybe they don't place such a high value on such things, Sok
My impression of Ukraine, of course based on virtually no experience, is that they value subsistence in that they provide for their own
You know, Seanus, if Sokrates said this I wouldn't be surprised, but you a graduate of a British university (if I am not mistaken) to make statements like these just brings shame to the name of the school where you wasted your time and money. A simple basis to make judgement only upon careful observing and learning of the subject which is a part of any respected establishment seems to have passed you by unharmed. No wonder you moved to Poland.
Czesław Miłosz, Szymborska or Lem are great writers and poets. Well-known, no doubt about that. I've read in Polish works by Szymborska and Lem. The latter is one of my favorite sci-fi writers. Since I speak and read both Ukrainian and Polish I might make a judgement on these people as compared to you, Seanus and Sokrates, who have never picked a book from a "black hole" as Ironside so graciously mentioned. I've read Mickiewicz and without any revange I have to acknowledge that he is far, far away from the level of Taras Shevchenko's literary works. Mickiewicz lacks much of ideas, spirit and poetic power that are overfilling Shevchenko's masterpieces. Pan Tadeusz is romantic poetry for someone who likes "Gone with The Wind" type of stories - dresses, feathers and love letters. It has no passion, rebellion, fight for freedom, life of regular people, ideals and harsh criticism which you will find "Kobzar".
Szymborska - is a great poetess. Love many of her poems. Ukrainian poetess Lina Kostenko is of equal greatness and I highly recommend her when "your impression of Ukraine, of course based on virtually no experience" hopefully change by finally picking something to read before making highschool statement.
Ukrainian scientists of the last century you might be interested to look at besides those that I already mentioned:
Chemists: Ivan Horbachevsky, Konstantin Efetov, Volodymyr Vernadsky;
Physicians: Konstantin Buteyko, Ivan Mavrov, Genadij Mavrov;
Physicist - George Zaslavsky, Vadym Adamyan, George Rainich, Aleksander Davydov, George Kistiakowsky (in Manhattan Project, btw), A. Smakula (anti-reflective lens coating), E. Chekaliuk ("Chekaliuk petroleum") and many many others you might find if you care to use internet just a bit, Seanus. Do they do any research projects in Scotland? Or it is just that drop-outs never know what it is? Check out these if you are interested to know about recent cool discoveries made in Ukraine despite lack of funds, salary, etc.:
en.for-ua.com/news/2010/10/04/110246.html
physorg.com/news64.html
Your statements, Seanus: "They (Ukrainians)
don't appear to have anyone..." and "my impression of Ukraine, of course
based on virtually no experience" and "Despite having been able to read Polish well for at least 3 years, I dare say that I
wouldn't understand the context or some of the words he uses. The same goes for some Poles so I don't mind."
I feel sorry and pity for you. You can't read simple writing of Lem after this much time banging Polish chick in her country and at the same time you manage to express denigrating opinions on Ukrainian scientists or literature which you have never seen, forget read, in your life? You are funny and a sheep indeed.
er,yes,and,your confusion arises from what?The guy was a hustler,his mark was Uncle Joe...even the sharpest griffter from Praga would tip his hat to that matey.
:))))