The essays of our friends’ from Vilnius Jonas Basanavičius gymnasium (teacher – Vilma Stanevičienė)

Can J. Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Nowadays it is hard to find a long lasting inspiration which would keep us devoted and working towards a set goal – usually it is just a moment, a rush of weak-willed motivation.

Firstly, today we are getting more and more engulfed in the virtual world. There we find hundreds of motivated, inspiring people, books, courses, but in reality all that simply doesn’t work. With every new way how to get yourself up, start doing more, doing something worthwhile we end up disappointed and sour. Since the only way to truly change is to adapt new things in your already mundane, usual routines, otherwise trying to change your daily life to revolve around new ideas will result in inevitable failure.

Secondly, to actually keep yourself inspired and active requires will, practice and real life examples. Trying to find who in real life sets an example trough his own actions is the best choice. This will allow you to constantly see and if necessary talk to someone who faces the same problems but finds how to overcome them.

One of such motivators was J. Basanavičius. In his time he was the beacon of pro-activity and inspiration, he always assisted those in need and did as much as he could to better the world: He created the first Lithuanian, at the time illegal, newspaper, was its editor and also initiate Lithuanian science community. Later on he became one of the few to sign the Act of Independence. He became known as the nation’s father who left a legacy for centuries.

To summarize, J. Basanavičius is one of the best sources to stem inspiration from, but real people and their deads will be what will keep your motivation alive.

By Haroldas

Can J. Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

These days people are starting to forget about our past heroes and start looking up to completely different people like celebrities as an inspiration. However, years before, it was a must to look up to people who had great influence on their home country.

Basanavičius was one of the most famous people in our country who had done all sorts of studies and research on Lithuanian history, culture and collected data on folklore. He wrote about 40 works on history, archeology, cultural history, ethnography, folklore studies, linguistics and medicine. Also, he was the founder and the editor of the first prohibited newspaper of the national revival “Aušra” (The Dawn). During the school years students often study about J. Basanavičius’ work, but they never really look up to him. Due to changes in times and ideology, young people in Lithuania ignore all history influencers. Because of that, there is a low chance that J. Basanavičius can still be an inspiration to most people.

Ever since Lithuania got out of the grip of the USSR pressure, people have stopped looking up to patriarchs like J. Basanavičius. Back in those days, the whole Lithuanian nation was under control by the USSR and wanted to gain freedom. J. Basanavičius also knew about the whole suspense on his home country so he decided to take action and participated in every major event leading to the independent Lithuanian state. As a founder and writer of the prohibited newspaper “Aušra”, he awakened Lithuania’s people to resist the USSR oppression. People read the newspaper, discussed it at any time they could and tried spreading it across Lithuania as much as possible so that people could start a rebellion against the USSR. In that time, everyone looked up to J. Basanavičius, but since Lithuania had gained its independence, people stopped looking up to him.

In conclusion, J. Basanavičius can hardly be an inspiration to us at this time, but he had the most influence back in the Soviet Times and people did actually look up to him. Ever since Lithuania got its freedom, people have changed and started looking up to others

By Aurelija Dovydėnaitė IIIa

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Jonas Basanavičius is one of Lithuanian heroes. He was the main signatory who declared Lithuania’s independence. He never forgot Lithuanian language, raised the awareness of the nation so, in my opinion, he can still be an inspiration to us for his works to Lithuania.

In the first place, Jonas Basanavičius in all his life was saving our language. He was brave enough to fight against the occupants. He printed his own newspaper named “Aušra” in Lithuanian language although it was illegal to write something in Lithuanian or even speak Lithuanian in some public places. It shows that such a person should be respectful and follow like example for all of us.

Secondly, Jonas Basanavičius was brave enough to start an illegal organization, so his and future generations can proudly call themselves free. I think that his patriotism for Lithuania can still inspire nowadays, generation to love our country and also grow up culturally.

To sum up, it is clear that such a figure as J. Basanavičius not only can be an inspirational figure, but people should really aspire to be like him, because he had a great attitude towards work and innovation.

Laura Michailova, 4 th grader

“Can Jonas Basanavičius still can be an inspiration to us?”

Nowadays media has a great influence on our lives. We usually get inspired by famous stars who earned their fame by doing something provocative on TV or on the Internet. We rarely take a look at people who did something great for our country. As an example we can take Jonas Basanavičius, who was patriotic, kind and intelligent man and inspired others to do great things.

First of all, I think that Jonas Basanavičius might inspire us because he was patriotic, wrote the first Lithuanian newspaper called “Aušra”. Also, he participated in every major event leading to the independent Lithuanian state, studied medicine and had worked as a doctor for about 25 years. He did lots of other kind things but I think that these are the main ones, which can encourage us to work hard and not to forget about the importance of our homeland.

On the other hand, young people these days usually want to have everything by doing only minimum or by not doing anything at all. They often get inspired by famous people who can actually have bad influence on them. Fewer people would choose someone from the past figures, who made big differences at that time.

To sum up, I think that it depends on person’s needs and perception who he would like to choose for inspiration. People have different opinions and different outlook, thus for some of them Jonas Basanavičius could be an inspiration to follow and for others he might not be the one who inspires them to make great changes.

By Aistė Žuromskaitė 3^a

The essays of our friends’ from Vilnius Jonas Basanavičius gymnasium (teacher – Akvilė Katauskytė – Burokienė)

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

I believe that it would be hard to find a Lithuanian who doesn’t know Jonas Basanavičius. He is talked about in history classes, used to be printed on previous Lithuanian currency – 50 Litas banknote, schools and streets are named after him. It is no wonder why: J. Basanavičius is one of the most notable men in Lithuanian history, given a title of “Patriarch of the nation” for his contributions in Lithuanian National Revival. His patriotic activities were so important that it saved his country from possible dissolution. But does this person still have any significance now?

Although knowing all of this when I was younger, I still was indifferent to this person’s work. But it changed when I visited the House of the Signatories and heard his biography briefly. What stunned me the most was that J. Basanavičius never forgot and was always passionate about his homeland’s affairs even though he mostly worked and lived in foreign countries. While working as a head doctor in Bulgaria he dedicated most of his time to Lithuanian history research and prepared first number of patriotic newspaper “Aušra” in Prague. He was highly intelligent, ambitious and had his values set straight. I noticed that that’s what some of Lithuanian people are lacking nowadays. J. Basanavičius inspires to appreciate and preserve country’s heritage, be ambitious and stay loyal to what is important to you and defend it.

On the other hand, speaking about nationality, I think some people can find his work kind of irrelevant now. Today a lot of the young adults just do not find much of a meaning in nationality concept, they rather identify themselves as versatile individuals living in global community, which, in my opinion, is sensible but only achievable between sagacious people. A century ago it may have looked unimaginable to have Lithuania independent, if not J. Basanavičius efforts, so it proves that your actions can mean a lot.

As I mentioned before, J. Basanavičius is crucially important in Lithuania even now, moreover, as an inspiration to cherish our own culture and language because that is fundamentally who we are and be not afraid to act according to your beliefs because your actions can make a difference.

Ugnė Grigonytė, 4D

The essay

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration for us?

Back in 20^th century, Jonas Basanavičius was one of the most famous people in Lithuania. He was born in Ožkabaliai, November 23, 1851, later he started study medicine at the Moscow Medical Academy. Therefore, Jonas Basanavičius worked as a doctor from 1880 to 1905 in Bulgaria. Regardless of how far Lithuania and Bulgaria are, he still took care of Lithuanian traditions, customs & in 1905 returned back. During the period when Jonas Basanavičius lived in Lithuania, he founded the Lithuanian Scientific Society, became chairman of the organizing committee of the 1905 Great Seimas in Vilnius, but most importantly – he was the first who signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania. It is also worth to mention, that he was one of the five publishers of the first national Lithuanian newspaper ‘Aušra’. So after all great things he did for our country a hundred years ago, can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration for us?

In my friend’s opinion, since Lithuania is a free country for 27 years, actually there’s nothing more you can do about it. In 20^th century, when the independence of our country was so fragile, Jonas Basanavičius played a very important role in Lithuania’s management. But what would he do now, when everything is so stable and there aren’t as many dangers as there were a century ago. My friend says that Jonas Basanavičius could have been an inspiration for all those people, who were fighting for independence of Lithuania in late 80s or who will potentially fight in future, but not now.

In my estimation, even though at the moment there are no threats to the independence of Lithuania, Jonas Basanavičius can still be a great inspiration to do our best for the sake of our country. He collected and published approximately 7’000 works of folklore (fairy-tales, songs, legends, riddles etc.), thus preventing them from being forgotten. All of us could likewise take care of Lithuanian culture, following his example and perhaps all the original traditions, customs & everything that reminds us of our past could be saved. Once, Jonas Basanavičius said ‘The nation without a past is a nation without a future’. I think, it’s a quote that concludes whole Jonas Basanavičius’ life and answers the question if he can still be an inspiration for us.

In my brother’s view, Jonas Basanavičius could and should be a sample of a true patriot of Lithuania for every single Lithuanian citizen. He says that Jonas Basanavičius dedicated his whole life to make Lithuania independent and prosperous again, so we are obligated to continue his work, even after a hundred of years. We must respect and always remember, what some great people did and had to suffer to make Lithuania a better country to live in. Only the untiring 40 years work of Jonas Basanavičius led the struggle for Lithuanian independence and as a result, the Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed in 1918, February 16.

To sum up all the opinions, Jonas Basanavičius completely can be an inspiration for all of us. He was an actual incarnation of patriotism and if we only were at least a little bit like him, right now Lithuania would shine and flourish. All that Lithuanians can do after 166 years since Jonas Basanavičius was born is to never forget how much did it cost to make Lithuania an independent and a democratic country. We must appreciate the freedom that was hard-won by such great people like Jonas Basanavičius.

By Radvilas Pelanis, 8a

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Jonas Basanavičius is one of Lithuanian heroes. He was a main signatory who declared Lithuania’s independence. He never forgot Lithuanian language, he collected Lithuanian songs, tales, jokes, but can Jonas Basnavičius still be an inspiration to us?

I personally think that he can be an inspiration to us. I think that nowadays people don’t care about saving their language as Jonas Basanavičius did. People start using words from different languages. Also people start creating their own words for longer words or phrases for example: thank you is “ty”, I don’t know is “idk”, but thankfully those shorter phrases are only used chatting in the internet or texting.

My friend thinks that Jonas Basanavičius can be an inspiration because he was brave enough to fight against occupants. He printed his own newspaper in Lithuanian language although it was illegal to write something in Lithuanian or even speak Lithuanian in some public places. Also he was brave enough to declare independence of Lithuania.

Other people think that he can be an inspiration because before declaring the independence of Lithuania he spent some years living abroad where he learned other languages and worked as a doctor, he also had his own hospital in Bulgaria. He was famous enough in Bulgaria that people named a street “Dr. Basanavičius street”.

My father says that Jonas Basnavičius is inspiration to us because he never forgot that he was a Lithuanian. Even when he was abroad he always told people that there was such country as Grand Duchy of Lithuania before it was occupied by Russian Empire. And he came back to Lithuania and with other important Lithuanian people he started planning independence declaration.

Summarised Jonas Basanavičius did many great things and none of them were bad or unfair. People rate him as a great person who didn’t let us forget who we are. So that says that Jonas Basanavičius is a great inspiration to us.

By Povilas Kašauskas 8a

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Basanavičius was a Lithuanian politician and culture activist. Also, he heavily affected the Lithuanian National Revival and was one of the most important people who made it happen. It seems that this country wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for him. But is his work still relevant today and are we valuing it nowadays? Can he still, to this day, be an inspiration to us?

My first initial thought was that yes, he definitely can. And my reason is the cultural impact. He collected samples of Lithuanian folklore like fairytales, legends, songs, riddles and etc. And, of course, published them. But, most importantly, he founded the first Lithuanian language newspaper “Aušra” (English “Dawn”). All this work shows J. Basanavičius’ commitment to the Lithuanian culture.

But on the other hand, some of my friends think that maybe he can’t be an inspiration. These days, young people usually don’t find people like him really interesting. Mostly because they find him and his work just a bit old and/or outdated. There definitely is a higher demand for modern, futuristic people that we could call role models and find them truly inspiring. Even though Basanavičius has done a lot of meaningful work culturally and politically, some people don’t find it relevant anymore.

The third point would, once again, be positive. My mom’s opinion is that the reason for this is the political work. Firstly, he was the chairman of the Great Seimas of Vilnius. Also, probably the most important thing is that he was one of the people who signed the Act of Independence in 1918. He even was the first person to sign the act. And, of course, Jonas Basanavičius was one of the main people that made this act happen.

So, in conclusion, I’d say that yes, he can be an inspiration to us. Or at least partially. The work that he has done for out small country is undeniably important. Even those 90 years that have passed since his death couldn’t deny the impact of all of his work. Maybe people are leaning towards modern role models more, but I think that Jonas Basanvičius can still be a great inspiration to us.

By Akvilė Mykolaitytė 8a

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration?

Jonas Basanavičius was a well-known activist in Lithuania. He collected nursery stories for books, recorded olden days’ Lithuanian music and was an amazing doctor. But he’s mostly known for being one of the people who attempted to declare Lithuania’s independence in 1918. For those reasons J. Basanavičius was a big inspiration for people back then. But since his works are still remembered a lot in today’s Lithuania, can he still be an inspiration to others?
My mum says yes. She thinks that no matter how long ago J. Basanavičius did his works, they still always will be great. In her opinion, his passion for Lithuania’s past can still affect our youth. With him being people’s inspiration our pas could be treasured for a long time.
My dad agrees with my mum’s opinion. He thinks that J. Basanavičius’ career as a doctor can inspire others. Knowing his success in medicine, more people might get interested in the subject. And of course more nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc., is a good thing.
My friend is sure that that J. Basanavičius can be great inspiration. He showed a lot of love not only for our country’s past, but also presence (at the time) and future. He was brave enough to start an illegal organisation so his and future generations can proudly call themselves free. She thinks that his patriotism for Lithuania can still inspire nowadays, generations to love our country.
To wrap everything up, I agree with all of the opinions. Not only did his works affected older times’ Lithuania, but they still do so today. He left a big mark in our history, which can inspire others lo leave something behind themselves. So yes, I believe that Jonas Basanavičius can be an inspiration.

Megė M. Biliakevičiūtė 8a

How can Jonas Basanavičius inspire us?

Inspiration is an idea that promotes to seek purpose, improves the quality of life. Inspiration is important for self-expression, no matter what activity is involved or in which area you want to improve yourself. Inspiration gives you more strength and a willingness to take on new activities and goals. Inspired people feel as if they have more energy to realize their idea, very often they begin improving their personality because of this feeling.

When we think about inspiration, I believe, what inspires us most are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. We appreciate when someone has the ability and willingness to be selfless, creative, or just dares to be different. There are few such people I admire and one of them is Jonas Basanavičius.

Jonas Basanavičius was born on November 23th 1851. He died at the age of 75. He was the first editor of the newspaper “Aušra”, one of the most important seekers of independence, a scientist and a doctor. Moreover, this man was an activist and the proponent of the Lithuanian National Revival. In addition to this, Basanavičius collected Lithuanian folklore songs, fairy-tales, and riddles, and published 14 books during his life.

Everything that has been mentioned above illustrates that Jonas Basanavičius inspires us to keep in mind the history and traditions of Lithuania as well as to be a greater person. His life activities inspire us to become more patriotic and sympathetic, teach to appreciate and respect the freedom of Lithuania.

By Deivid Boguslavskij 8c

Can Jonas Basanavičius inspire me?

I think inspiration is very important in a person’s life. It motivates you to do good in life. People find inspiration in many different things. I think every person has something or someone who inspires them. So can Jonas Basanavičius inspire me? To be able to answer this question fully, I would like to reflect on his life.

To begin with, Jonas Basanavičius was an activist and proponent of the Lithuanian National Revival born on November 23^rd 1851 in the Ožkabaliai village. Moreover, he participated in every major event leading to an independent Lithuanian state, in which we live now. He is often given the informal honorific title of the “Patriarch of the Nation”. In addition to this, Jonas Basanavičius was a founder of the first Lithuanian newspaper “Aušra” and he was the first person to sign the Act of independence of Lithuania.

The things that were mentioned above show that this man did a lot of great deeds for our country. Basanavičius can inspire people because of his hard work and love for his homeland. Nowadays, however, I don’t think people value that as much as they should. On the other hand, today our people don’t have to fight for freedom, so they are able to focus on their goals more. This leads to a fact that people of my generation tend to be inspired by successful people, people who have better lives and amazing careers. Most of the youth think they don’t have to work hard to get what they desire, but people like Jonas Basanavičius prove otherwise.

In conclusion, I think inspiration really depends on a person who seeks it and the time he or she lives in. The question is – can Jonas Basanavičius inspire you?

By Lėja Ananjevaitė 8c

Can Jonas Basanavičius inspire us?

What does someone do to inspire you? To me, inspiration is the process of instilling faith in someone to motivate him or her to do something. Many people do things simply out of the kindness in their heart, and do not realize they are inspiring others around them.

To me it’s my dad. My Dad inspires me the most. He is a very loving and caring person. He gives me the strength to do whatever I put my mind to. He inspires me to do things by example. He inspires me most when I see how his generosity makes other people feel, and how good it makes him feel because of their reaction. From that example, it makes me want to do something so I can experience the same feeling.

Some people could get inspired by Jonas Basanavičius. He was a doctor, a newspaper editor, scientist, and one of the main people that made Lithuania in dependent. There are many schools named after him and a statue to honor him.

All in all, Jonas Basanavičius helped people all of his life. There are not many people in this world that could spend his/her life to helping people for such a long time.

By Tautvydas Kapcevičius 8B

How can Jonas Basanavičius inspire us?

I would like to begin my essay saying that to know how someone can inspire us, firstly we need to know what inspiration means. Everyone has their own perception of what it means, right? When I hear the word “inspiration” I think of someone who is motivating other people. Usually, someone inspirational is just an ordinary person that did or is doing extraordinary things for example someone who is the best player in football, world champion of box etc.

Why it is important to have a person who is inspiring you? In my opinion, when you have that person, it helps you to achieve more in life, because you are motivated by this person or his story and you want to be like him or even better than him. So when you are trying to be like (or be better than) your inspiring person, you are improving yourself and it helps you to reach your life goals.

In our country, I think, every person has heard about Jonas Basanavičius. There are Jonas Basanavičius streets, Jonas Basanavičius schools and monuments built to honor him. Also, despite of the fact that he is dead, he is still an inspiring person to many people in Lithuania. But one can ask, what is it that he did, why is he so exalted? Well, Jonas Basanavičiuswas was an activist and proponent of the Lithuanian National Revival, he participated in every major event leading to the independent Lithuanian state, collected samples of Lithuanian folklore and published them, also he was a doctor and an impressive person. He did a lot for Lithuania and he is a perfect inspiring person for patriots.

All in all, it is very important to have someone who inspires you as it helps significantly in becoming a better person. A person needs to be inspired because only then he can inspire others.

Rokas Bandza 8c

Jonas Basanavičius – an inspiring figure?

The question I asked myself was how could Jonas Basanavičius inspire us? Firstly, I believe that inspiration is very important in this world. One can not live without it. Something or someone inspires us to get up from our beds, to learn, to do a workout and much more. Anyone can inspire you: Singers, dancers, heroes. Even the people close to you: parents, relatives.

Secondly, the person that inspires me the most is Jonas Basanavičius. I look up to him. I am a student of a school named in his honor and I live in a street named by his last name. Thirdly, the interesting fact is that Jonas Basanavičius was a farmer kid at first but later he managed to become a doctor. Moreover, he founded the first Lithuanian newspaper ,,Aušra‘‘. In other words, Jonas Basanavičius was an activist and proponent of the Lithuanian National Revival. He was the first to sign the Act of Independence of Lithuania.

To sum up, Jonas was a farm kid, but grew u to be a patriot and one of the most famous Lithuanian heroes. This shows us that everything is possible and this motivates me everyday.That is why he inspires me and that is why I respect him.

Laurynas Butkus 8c

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Jonas Basanavičius was an important statesman in our society in the past. There are lots streets, schools named J.Basanavičius and even one of the banknotes of Lithuanian currency Litas was decorated with his portrait to honor him. But sometimes people rise a question if Jonas Basanavičius could be an inspiration to us nowadays. There could be different opinions and reasons for answers to such a question.

To my point of view there is no doubt that Jonas Basanavičius is still one of the best well known statesman and he can be an inspiration for us. The reason why my opinion is so solid that first of all this person was a really good Lithuanian citizen and after that well known as a doctor, scientist, creator and founder of the first Lithuanian newspaper „Aušra“, politician and signatory of the Act of Lithuanian independence. In addition, I admire his so strong Lithuanian standpoints, good manners and diplomatic, polite ways dealing with opponents.

Jonas Basanavičius is also known as a guard of Vilnius with a shield in his hand because he bravely stayed in our capital while the whole Government retreated to Kaunas during the period when Vilnius became part of Poland in 1920.

I also like this legendary man because he being so active politician found time for culture activity as well. Jonas Basanavičius is famous as a folklorist. He collected songs, fairy-tales, legends, riddles and published them.

Summarizing I think Jonas Basanavičius could be an example and inspiration how to fight for our independence, freedom and peace and not to be passive dreaming about a better life.

Donata Jackevičiūtė 7c

Can J.Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

February 16 is the most important day in Lithuanian’s history, the day when Lithuania became independent. In 2018, February 16 we will be celebrating one hundred years of our independence. There are a lot of people to whom we should be thankful for this gift, but one of the greatest is Jonas Basanavičius and our school has honor to carry his name. He is the person, who created and initiated the act of independence, the person, who shoved, that we should be proud of our country, never forget its history and speak our native language.

Basanavičius lived in Bulgaria and worked as a doctor, but he never forgot Lithuania and all his works was dedicated to native land. He was the first editor of magazine “Aušra”. He promoted Lithuanian nation to fight against the policy of polonization, russification and germination in the “Aušra”, demanded an equal rights for Lithuanian language, developed Lithuanian cultural education, secular education in native language. He was inspiring many people with his brave, smartens, intuition at that time and mostly with the love to Lithuania, and that feeling he was spreading to everyone. J. Basanavičius was like the quiet port, which united the people around himself and invited them to work together. He bravely spoke about an independent Lithuania, when others were afraid even to dream about it and he made his words to come true. That is why he is honorably called the Patriarch of our nation.

And now when Lithuania is independent, and for us, the young generation, is hard even imagine, that could be in other way, we always must to remember such great people as J. Basanavičius and be thankful for the gift that they gave to us – it’s our freedom. Their fight for independent and free Lithuania at those hard time always will inspire us to love our little, but really pretty country, LITHUANIA!!!

So if you are starting to forget J. Basanavičius, than you should click this link and read once more about him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Basanavi%C4%8Dius .

Neda Lasickaitė 7c

Can J.Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

Many celebrities of today are aligned and inspired by the famous people of the past who have achieved something in their lives. Jonas Basanavičius is no an exception. He was the initiator of the national revival in the 19th century, the first editor of the newspaper “Aušra”, one of the most important activists for state independence, a doctor, a folklorist, anthropologist, a publicist, a well known person of society and culture, and a patriarch of the Lithuanian nation.

It’s amazing how so many can fit in one man and no doubt it’s a great personality for inspiration. My school is also named after his name and I am proud studying here.

We all have the purpose of our life and we all are looking for inspiration for each day. It can be a cup of coffee, a friend’s word, a paragraph of the book, a song or maybe the whole life story of some person.

To create our own unique story we need much effort, resolve and endless desire to achieve it. Everyone chooses the authority for themselves, who inspires him to strive for something, to do important things, to become unforgettable and this requires a lot of stubbornness. I think Jonas Basanavičius was also stubborn for his goals. His life and work inspire me never give up if something fails and fight for what I believe, because it shows how strong we are.

Jonas Basanavičius can really be an inspiration. This is the man who inspired many in the past, we know him in nowadays and I believe that after many years he will light up the fire in many people hearts.

Paulina Griciutė 7c

Can Jonas Basanavičius still be an inspiration to us?

I think Jonas Basanavičius can still be an inspiration to us .He was and will always be one of the most important figures in the Lithuanian society. He did a lot of very important, heroic things to save the future of Lithuania.

He was one of the main signatories to sign on the Act of Independence of Lithuania. He was a doctor, collected and published samples of Lithuanian folklore(songs, fairy-tales, legends, riddles, etc.) He was one of the founders of the newspaper Ausra (Auszra) and the founder of the Lithuanian Science Society which is dedicated to Lithuanian history, ethnography, linguistics.

Jonas Basanavičius is a symbolic figure of the Lithuanian national revival, often referred as the “patriarch of the nation.” He saved Lithuania from disappearance from the surface of the map. Lithuanian is the oldest surviving Indy-European language. It shares its origin with many other European languages.

Basanavičius taught us to respect our language, our country and he deserves all respect from the Lithuanian people. That means Jonas Basanavičius can be an inspiration to us. His deeds and his dedication inspire us not to give up but care for our homeland, history and culture.

MK 7c

Can Jonas Basanavičius inspire us now?

In my opinion Jonas Basanavičius was a brave and clever person. He was one of twenty people, who helped our country to get independence. Also he was a doctor, scientist and “Patriarch of the Nation”. A lot of people was saying, that he is like a lighthouse of their country. But can Jonas Basanavičius be our lighthouse now?

A lot of people, who are living in Lithuania are thinking, that Jonas Basanavičius can‘t be our inspiration now, because he is not alive and he can‘t speak, but in my opinion history of Lithuania can speak and there we can see, that Jonas Basanavičius did a lot of important things for Lithuania’s future. He was living in Bulgaria, but after many years he returned to Lithuania, because he loved his country. Also, when he returned, he went to United States of America with other conspirators to get some money for Lithuania. Also he wrote the first magazine of Lithuania „Ausra”. There are much more Jonas Basanavičius good jobs for Lithuania and Lithuania‘s future.

In my opinion Jonas Basanavičius can still be an inspiration to our country. And I think, that he is one of the greatest people in history of our country . I think, that he was an inspiration, still is an inspiration and he will be an inspiration for our country in the future.

By Urtė K. 7C

A man who can still inspire us

Freedom. This one word has lots of different meanings to the whole world. For me it means free country, free people, and free decisions. Free means happy. Every single person around me is enjoying life. Going out with friends, working, laughing, doing what they like, and meeting new friends. And you know why? Because of freedom. The father of freedom of Lithuania is Jonas Basanavičius.

I think Jonas Basanavičius still can be an inspiration to us. I mean he did lots of amazing and great things to reach freedom. He was courageous, gentleman, caring person. Of course he had lots of difficulties to get over, lots of bridges to build, lots of things to achieve. But he never gave up, because he wanted to make people of his country happy, to make them free.

But Jonas Basanavičius wasn’t alone, he had lots of good and famous friends and his beloved wife who helped him. Together it was easier, because they all had motivation, purpose and most important they wanted to. They were a big group who made us free.

From Jonas Basanavičius we can learn lots of things, for example: courage, hard work, belief, motivation and many more. He was very strong person from inside and he did lots of great things to make Lithuania better. That’s why he still can be inspiration to us and we’ll always remember him as our hero.

By Ugnė Urbonaitė 7c

Can Jonas Basanavičius be an inspiration today?

In my opinion Jonas Basanavičius can definitely be an inspiration today. He was one of the 20 people to sign the act of independence for Lithuania in 1918 February 16^th. He was also a doctor, a scientist, and a “Patriarch of the Nation”. He showed us that we shouldn’t be ashamed of our country even if it’s small. We have many great things to be proud of for example, other countries say that our language sounds very beautiful.

I think that he can truly be an inspiration today, even for the next generation, because he worked really hard, even when he was abroad in Bulgaria he was working on a Lithuanian newspaper,, Aušra”. When he got back to Lithuania he released the first ever Lithuanian newspaper. Later he returned to Lithuania to live in his native country. Jonas Basanavičius died on the 16^th of February 1927, it was the 9^th anniversary of Lithuania’s independence, but unfortunately on that day Jonas Basanavičius passed away.

To honor Jonas Basanavičius there’re streets and schools named after him. I feel honored that I’m studying in a school named after Jonas Basanavičius. One of the most popular streets named after Jonas Basanavičius is in Palanga. Before the Euro Lithuania’s currency was ,,Litas” and there was a portrait of Jonas Basanavičius on the 50 Litas banknote..

To sum everything up, I think that Jonas Basanavičius can really be an inspiration today and in the future. I can’t even imagine Lithuania not being independent now, that would be horrible, but thanks to Jonas Basanavičius Lithuania is independent, and I am really grateful to live in this country with such amazing legends that fought for independence. I hope that everyone will remember Jonas Basanavičius.

By Matas Bulkauskas 7b