213
Kui mul on valida, siis ennem, et lämbuda julmuses, jään ma armastuse rusude alla.
If I have to choose, then rather than suffocating in cruelty, I would remain under the ruins of love.
By Nikolai Baturin, novelist and playwright
Nikolai Baturin, one of Estonia’s most prominent writers, frequently explored the complexities of life and the human condition through introspective language. This quote reflects Baturin’s deep emotional attachment, illustrating his preference for clinging to the remnants of a lost or damaged love over confronting the harsh reality of cruelty.
208
On väga lihtne rääkida juttu, mis kõigile meeldib. Palju raskem on rääkida juttu, mis on tõde.
It is very easy to tell a story that pleases everyone. It is much more difficult to tell a story that is the truth.
By Lennart Meri
This quote made by former Estonian President Meri conveys the challenges of honesty and integrity in communication, highlighting that although speaking truthfully is often difficult, it is highly important to maintain authenticity.
11
Kõikjal räägitakse kommunismi surmast, aga keegi ei ole veel näinud kommunismi laipa.
The death of communism is being proclaimed from the rooftops, but no one has yet seen a corpse.
By Lennart Meri, former president of Estonia
378
Valeuudiseid on odav toota. Ehe/ehtne ajakirjandus on Kallis.
Fake news is cheap to produce. Genuine journalism is expensive.
By Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president of Estonia
This statement was made during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on 19 February, 2017. Hendrik Ilves highlighted the challenges posed by fake news and the importance of investing in genuine journalism. He emphasised that fake news can be produced and disseminated with minimal costs and effort, whereas quality journalism requires significant investment in terms of time, money, and resources.
209
Mis kinni ei jää, saab kinni löödud!
What doesn't stick, gets stuck!
By Oskar Luts
This quote is from Luts' semi-autobiographical novel 'Kevade' ('Spring'), which was later adapted into a classic film of Estonian cinema. The quote is spoken by one of the Paunvere boarding school boys during a fight with German boys. It conveys the playfulnes and naivety of childhood, set against the backdrop of a rural Estonian village.
13
Kunst on paratamatus. Kunst on kultuuri geen, mis iseennast taastoodab ja niiviisi kultuuri kasvatab, ainsat keskkonda, milles inimese vaim saab hingata.
Art is inevitable. Art is the cultural gene that reproduces itself and thus cultivates culture, the only environment in which the human spirit can breathe.
By Lennart Meri, former president of Estionia
207
Ideaalne on see, mida tegelikult pole.
The ideal is what does not exist.
By Karl Ristkivi, writer
This quote highlights the distinction between ideals and reality. It suggests that ideals are often concepts or visions of perfection that are not fully attainable in real life.
51
Sotsiaalse ebavõrdsuse kahandamise kõige tõhusam viis on haridusse investeerimine.
The best way to reduce social inequality is to invest into education.
By Lennart Meri, former president of Estonia
211
Suurim õnn on armastus.
The greatest happiness is love.
By Anton Hansen Tammsaare, Estonian writer
Anton Hansen Tammsaare's works frequently explore existential themes, including the significance of love in human life. This quote reflects one of his core ideas: that love is an undeniable source of genuine happiness and personal fulfillment.
92
Ükskord me võidame niikuinii!
One day, no matter what, we will win!
By Heinz Valk
This phrase refers to Estonia's struggle for independence in the late 1980's. Heinz Valk, an Estonian artist and politician, is also credited with coining the term "Singing Revolution" (in Estonian: laulev revolutsioon) - a series of non-violent protest events that ultimately led to the restoration of independence of the Baltic countries from the Soviet Union.
204
Otseteed õnneni viivad sageli sohu. Kindla jalgealuse leiame enamasti hoopis käänulisel rajal.
Shortcuts to happiness often lead to a quagmire. A firm foothold is usually found on a winding path.
By Toomas Hendrik Ilves, politician and former President of Estonia
While shortcuts might seem attractive because they promise quick results, they often lead to difficulties or unsatisfactory outcomes. This quote comes from Hendrik Ilves 2009 New Year's statement, in which he praised Estonia's political decision-makers, who are normally first to come under fire in times of crisis and instability.
210
Meist igaühest sõltub Eesti püsimine.
The survival of Estonia depends on each of us.
By Lennart Meri, former President of Estonia
This quote highlights the importance of collective responsibility and national unity. Meri highlights that individual actions significantly influence the nation and encourages everyone to actively contribute to their country’s future, recognising that every small effort counts.