In this article, the author recalls lessons from school about the distinct values and soul of Eastern Europeans, contrasting them with the perceived materialism of the West. The narrative explores how, with the opening of borders, the realities faced by people from the East illuminated a stark difference; they no longer needed to barter basic goods for necessities in the West. This change led many to realize that civic society thrives where they once believed their soul was missing. Despite nostalgia for the past where suffering was shared equally, the author observes a shift toward understanding that societal engagement could be better achieved in more individualistic environments.

The author discusses the desire of some Eastern Europeans to act as a bridge, or evangelical force, for promoting their 'good soul' into a West that they saw as morally corrupted. This aspiration to bring Eastern values to the West reflects not only a longing for connection and reconciliation but also possible misinterpretations of societal progress. Such aspirations, while offering comfort, reveal a complex interaction between nostalgia and contemporary realities in both regions.

Ultimately, the article uses the backdrop of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict to highlight the urgency of these reflections. The war has not only intensified these discussions but has also forced individuals in both the East and West to reassess their identities, values, and the very meaning of community. It raises questions about the capacity for empathy across borders and whether differing values can lead to a collaborative future or deeper divisions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of modern European society amid geopolitical tension.