Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence said on Friday.
His influence may not be obvious or immediate. We tend to think of history as being shaped by individuals, and in many cases it is, but often it’s not so simple. His actions may not inspire revolution tomorrow, but his name is going on a list that gets noticeably longer all the time, his body has been added to a pile that continues to grow into a mountain, and his actions will be remembered alongside the actions of many others that form a very strong narrative. Those things collectively will shape the future of Russia.
Also remember sometimes a revolution isn’t started by the revolutionaries on their schedule. Sometimes it starts when the opportune moment presents itself. I mean, Putin’s getting older, and doesn’t he look tired?
Sometimes there are things a person chooses to do that are bigger than themselves.
He chose to allow himself to be a martyr. Hopefully it makes a difference, but it very likely may not.
Who knows, maybe his sacrifice paves the way for his successor.
His influence may not be obvious or immediate. We tend to think of history as being shaped by individuals, and in many cases it is, but often it’s not so simple. His actions may not inspire revolution tomorrow, but his name is going on a list that gets noticeably longer all the time, his body has been added to a pile that continues to grow into a mountain, and his actions will be remembered alongside the actions of many others that form a very strong narrative. Those things collectively will shape the future of Russia.
Also remember sometimes a revolution isn’t started by the revolutionaries on their schedule. Sometimes it starts when the opportune moment presents itself. I mean, Putin’s getting older, and doesn’t he look tired?
I agree.
I just feel like I understand why navalny went back to Russia, despite the obvious threat to his life.
He almost certainly didn’t die a clean death. I wouldn’t want to martyr myself the way he did.
Interesting username combined with your point.
I agree, but I also can understand why he chose what he did.