153
Čudno je kako je malo potrebno da budemo sretni, i još čudnije kako nam često baš to malo nedostaje.
It's strange how little it takes to be happy, and even stranger how often we lack just that little.
Eftir Ivo Andrić, Yugoslav novelist, poet and winner of the Noel Prize in Literature in 1961
This quote poignantly captures the irony that while happiness often lies in small, simple things, we frequently fail to attain it due to our own distractions or misplaced priorities.
412
“Kaži dragička! - Dragička!” or “Reci dragička!” - “Dragička!”
Say 'dragička'!
Eftir Unknown
In Serbia, when someone says "kaži dragička!" or "reci dragička!" (say 'dragička'), locals typically respond with curiosity, joy, and excitement by repeating the word "dragička!". Why? Because they know that after responding in this familiar manner, the person who initiated the playful exchange will likely share some good news, possibly relating to them. Although "dragička" doesn't have an actual meaning, everyone is aware of this tradition. The word stems from the adjective "drag", which means dear, darling, or even glad, but in this context, "dragička" itself is just a playful, meaningless term.
410
Demokratija je kad nisi zatvoren jer si bio otvoren.
Democracy is when you are not closed because you are open.
Eftir Vladimir Bulatović Vib, writer and satirist
Democracy thrives on openness and transparency. In a democratic society, people are free to express their opinions, share ideas, and participate in decision-making processes.
413
Šio mi ga Đura.
Đura sewed it for me.
Eftir Unknown
In Serbia, the phrase "Šio mi ga Đura" is used to express disbelief, similar to saying "Yeah, right." It originally referred to a 19th-century tailor, Đura Janošević, known for making high-quality suits for wealthy clients in Belgrade. Customers would proudly say "Đura sewed it for me." Over time, as not everyone could afford his work, the phrase evolved into a skeptical or ironic expression.
411
Ima mnogo razloga za čitanje, a jedan od najvažnijih i najlepših je da razumemo druge i da naučimo da izrazimo sebe.
There are many reasons for reading, and one of the most important and beautiful is to understand others and learn to express yourself.
Eftir Vladimir Pištalo, Serbian novelist
In this quote, Pištalo, a renowned Serbian novelist and intellectual, as well as former history professor in the USA, emphasises the transformative role that reading can play in broadening one's empathy and self-expression. In his role as the head of the National Library of Serbia, Pištalo continues to advocate for the importance of reading and literature,
24
Није ми жао што су украли моје идеје, већ што нису имали своје.
I don’t care that they stole my ideas. I care that they don’t have any of their own.
Eftir Nikola Tesla, inventor, electrical and mechanical engineer best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.