Culture determines the image of a country. In the Republic of Moldova, this area is not financed appropriately, as in other civilized states, academician Mihai Cimpoi stated in a discussion with IPN’s reporter within an event held to celebrate his 75th birthday. “I see in culture also a means of communicating and opening ourselves to Europe and the world. The economy can be good or worse; politics is as it is, while the real image of the state is created by culture. Culture determines the image of a state,” said Mihai Cimpoi.
As to the books read by people, the academician said there is a general level of culture that can be obtained only by studying universal literature, which is very rich in writers and personalities. But the readers give preference to a particular, often narrow area of interest. “I think that what is going on, these disputes and the outburst in the Arab world, this terrorism that expands to Europe and the whole world are due to lack of knowledge of culture. The people should know their cultures and should exchange cultural values. The East should come closer to the West and vice versa. As Eminescu said: “There is a unity of the human stock that has a reflection in culture,” stated Mihai Cimpoi.
Asked about the impact of the statement by which the Writers Union condemns the President’s acts against the Romanian spirit and state organization, Mihai Cimpoi, who is one of the signatories, said the actions taken by the President remain dangerous. “Romanian colleagues said they for the first time see a President who is against his people, the national culture and the values we create. It is something strange. He should represent the national interests,” noted the writer.
As to his projects, the academician said he wants to see the issuing of his second edition of the Encyclopedic Dictionary –Mihai Eminescu, who didn’t appear on his anniversary for technical reasons, and to continue to help doctoral students, who are many in number and ready for research. “We have potential among the young people. Regrettably, many of the young people go abroad, but there are some who devote themselves to research and print books. I expect our youth to devote more time to research,” he stated, noting he would like to republish a book about Brancusi and one about Romanians.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the birth of academician Mihai Cimpoi, who was born on September 3, the Writers Union of Moldova and the National Museum of Literature “Mihail Kogalniceanu” on September 8 mounted a photo-exhibition entitled “Mihai Cimpoi: road to the center of Bessarabian letters” and a literary evening.
