Volodymr Yaroslavskyi,
programmer
“I think we should be more like Brazilians. Maybe this is a stereotype, but they seem to be very cheerful and easygoing people and that’s what we lack, I think. You rarely meet Ukrainians who would smile at you with no reason.”
Sergei Perehod,
political activist
“I think Ukrainians should be Ukrainians. Every nation and culture has its advantages and disadvantages. The Ukrainian nation is highly spiritual and that’s what others should probably learn from us.”
Vita Fedkiv,
medical student
“I think we should take the best from the nation that is close to us and at the same time a step ahead, maybe the Polish nation.”
Iryna Smikhotur,
on maternity leave
“Maybe we should take something from Georgians, maybe their willpower. If they want something, they keep insisting on it until they get it. That’s what we definitely lack.”
Natalia Gunkovska,
unemployed
“Other nations have actually a lot to learn from us – diligence, ability for empathy and kindness, for example.”
Oleh Biyma,
film director
“Unfortunately Ukrainians are almost unable to adopt something from someone. They are pretty self-centered. So far we are moving towards Europe, so let’s take the best from European nations. Germans work not only to support their family, but to support their nation; the lightness of being and tolerance from French; the ability to teach and learn from the English; honor and respect for the native nation from Poles.”
