Vasily Shulzhenko "Grandfather, let's go home!"

Philosophical tale by V. Veresaev about why we do not like the truth

This biting parable first appeared in the "Magazine for All" in 1903. That was the time of the "madness of the brave" - both society and literature were aflame with revolutionary romanticism. Unlike many, Vikenty Veresaev was not fond of "elevating deception", as, indeed, with all other deceptions - he valued the truth more than anything in the world. Perhaps that is why he became one of the most underestimated and undeservedly forgotten Russian writers - neither the old nor the new government appreciated his love for truth. But his stories do not lose their relevance. This philosophical parable could well have appeared in the 60s or 90s of the last century - or, for example, in our days.

Star

(Eastern fairy tale)

It happened in old times in a distant, unknown land. Eternal reigned over the edge, black night. Rotten mists rose above the marshy ground and hung in the air. People were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness. But sometimes the breath of the wind dispersed the heavy evaporation of the earth. Then from a distant sky they looked at people bright stars. There was a general holiday. People sitting alone in dwellings as dark as cellars converged on the square and sang hymns to Heaven. The fathers pointed the children to the stars and taught that in striving for them is the life and happiness of a person. Young men and women greedily peered into the sky and rushed to him with their souls from the darkness crushing the earth. The priests prayed to the stars. Stars were sung by poets. Scientists have studied the paths of the stars and made an important discovery, it turned out that the stars are slowly but continuously approaching the earth. Ten thousand years ago, quite reliable sources said so, it was difficult to distinguish a smile on the face of a child for one and a half steps. Now everyone could easily distinguish it in three whole steps. There was no doubt that in a few million years the sky would shine with bright lights and the kingdom of eternal radiant light would come on earth. All patiently waited for the blissful time and died with the hope of it. So long years the life of people went on quietly and serenely, and it was warmed by meek faith in the distant stars.

One day the stars in the sky burned especially brightly. People crowded the square and in mute reverence ascended in soul to the eternal light. Suddenly a voice came from the crowd:

— Brothers! How bright and wonderful there in the high heavenly plains! And here we have how damp and gloomy! My soul is languishing, it has no life and will in eternal darkness. As for the fact that in millions of years the life of our distant descendants will be illuminated with an everlasting light? We, we need that light. Need more air and food, more mother and lover. Who knows - maybe there is a way to the stars. Perhaps we are able to pluck them from the sky and set them up here, among us, for the joy of the whole earth! Let's go look for ways, let's go look for light for life!

There was silence in the meeting. In a whisper, people asked each other:

- Who is this?

“This is Adeel, a reckless and rebellious youth.

Again there was silence. And old Tsur spoke, the teacher of the smart, the light of science.

- Dear young man! We all understand your grief. Who hasn't had it in their time? But it is impossible for a man to pluck a star from the sky. The edge of the earth ends in deep chasms and abysses. Behind them are steep cliffs. And there is no way through them to the stars. So say experience and wisdom.

And Adeel answered:

- Not to you, wise ones, and I turn. Your experience covers your eyes with thorns and your wisdom blinds you. I appeal to you, young and brave at heart, to you who have not yet been crushed by decrepit old age wisdom! And he was waiting for an answer.

Some said:

- We'd love to go. But we are light and joy in the eyes of our parents and cannot cause them sorrow.

Others said:

- We'd love to go. But we have just started building our houses, and we need to finish building them.

The third said:

Hello, Adele! We go with you!

And many young men and women arose. And they went after Adeel. Went into the dark menacing distance. And the darkness swallowed them up.

It's been a long time. There was no news of those who had left. Mothers mourned the recklessly dead children, and life flowed on as before. Again in the damp and dark darkness people were born, grew up, loved and died with the quiet hope that in thousands of centuries light would come to earth. But one day, over the dark edge of the earth, the sky was faintly illuminated by a flickering quivering light. People crowded the square and asked in surprise:

- What is it there?

The sky brightened every hour. Blue rays glided through the mists, pierced the clouds, flooded the celestial plains with a wide light. Gloomy clouds swirled frightened, pushed and fled into the distance. The triumphant beams were pouring brighter and brighter across the sky. And a thrill of unprecedented joy ran through the earth. Staring into the distance was the old priest Satzoi. And he said thoughtfully:

“Such light can only come from an eternal heavenly star.

And Tsur, the teacher of the wise, the light of science, retorted:

“But how could a star come down to earth?” We have no way to the stars and no stars have a way to us.

And the sky shone brighter. And suddenly a blindingly bright point flashed over the edge of the earth - a Star! A star is coming! And in stormy joy the people ran towards them. Bright as day, the rays drove the rotten mists before them. Torn, tousled mists tossed and pressed to the ground. And the rays hit them, tore them apart and drove them into the ground. The distance of the earth was lit up and cleared. People saw how wide this distance is, how much free space there is on earth, and how many of their brothers live in all directions from them. And in stormy joy they ran towards the light. On the way to with a quiet step Adeel walked and held high by the beam a star plucked from the sky. He was alone.

Asked him:

- Where are the others?

- Everyone died. Paved the way to heaven through the gaps and abysses. And died a heroic death.

Cheering crowds surrounded the star-bearer. The girls showered him with flowers. Cliques of delight thundered:

Thank you Adele! Glory to the one who brought the light!

He entered the city and stopped in the square and held a shining star high in his hand. And jubilation spread throughout the city.

The days have passed. The star still shone brightly in the square, held high in Adeel's hand. But for a long time already there was no rejoicing in the city. People walked around angry and gloomy, their eyes downcast, and tried not to look at each other. When they had to go through the square, the eyes at the sight of Adeil lit up with gloomy enmity. No songs were heard. No prayers were heard. In place of the rotten mists dispersed by the star, black, gloomy malice thickened in an invisible fog over the city. It thickened, grew and tensed. And under the yoke of her it was impossible to live. And then, with a cry, a man ran out into the square. His eyes burned, his face contorted with soul-rending anger. In a frenzy of rage he shouted:

- Down with the star! Down with the accursed star-bearer! Brothers, do not the souls of all of you cry out with my lips: down with the star, down with the light - it has deprived us of life and joy! We lived peacefully in the dark, we loved our sweet dwellings, our quiet life. And look - what happened? The light has come - and there is no consolation in anything. Dirty ugly heaps are crowded at home. The leaves of the trees are pale and slimy, like the skin on the belly of a frog. Look at the ground - it is covered with bloody mud. Where does this blood come from, who knows? But it sticks to our hands, its smell haunts us at food and in sleep, it poisons and weakens our humble prayers to the stars.

And nowhere is there an escape from the all-penetrating light. He breaks into our houses, and now we see: they are all covered with mud, dirt has eaten into the walls, covered the windows with smelly heaps, piled up in the corners. We can no longer kiss our beloved by the light of the Star of Adeel, they have become more disgusting than graveworms. Their eyes are pale as wood lice, their soft bodies are stained and moldy. And we can no longer look at each other - we do not see a person in front of us, but a mockery of a person. Our every secret step, every hidden movement illuminates an inexorable light. Impossible to live! Down with the star-bearer, let the light perish!

Vikenty Veresaev

And others picked up:

- Down with! Let the darkness live! Only grief and damnation brings people the light of the stars. Death to the star-bearer!

And the crowd became agitated, and with a mad roar tried to intoxicate itself, to drown out the horror of its blasphemy against the world. And moved to Adeela. But the star in the hand of the star-bearer shone deadly bright, and people could not approach him.

Brothers, stop! - suddenly the voice of the old priest Satzoy was heard. You take a heavy sin on your soul, cursing the light. What did we pray to, what do we live for, if not by light? But you too, my son,” he turned to Adeel, “and you committed no lesser sin by bringing down a star to the ground. True, the great Brahma said: Blessed is he who aspires to the stars. But people daring in their wisdom have misunderstood the word of the World-Honored One. The disciples of his disciples explained the true meaning of the dark word of the All-Wise: a person should strive for the stars only with thoughts, and darkness on earth is as sacred as light in heaven. And this is the truth you despised with your ascended mind. Repent, my son, throw a star, and let the former darkness reign on the earth.

Adele chuckled.

- Do you think that if I quit, the world on earth will not perish forever?

And people sensed with horror that Adeel had spoken the truth, that old world will never be reborn. Then old Tsur stepped forward, the teacher of the clever, the light of science.

“You acted recklessly, Adeel, and now you yourself see the fruits of your recklessness. According to the laws of nature, life develops slowly. And distant stars are slowly approaching life. With their gradually approaching light, life is gradually rebuilt. But you didn't want to wait. At your own risk, you plucked a star from the sky and brightly lit up life. What happened? Here it is in front of us - dirty, miserable and ugly. But didn't we already know that it was? And was that the task? It is not great wisdom to pluck a star from the sky and illuminate with it the ugliness of life. No, take on the hard menial work of rearranging life. Then you will see whether it is easy to cleanse it of the dirt that has accumulated over the centuries, whether it is possible to wash this dirt off even with a whole sea of the most radiant light. How much in this childish inexperience! How much misunderstanding of the conditions and laws of life! And now, instead of joy, you brought sorrow to the earth, instead of peace, war. And now you could be useful life- break a star, take only a small fragment from it - and this fragment will illuminate life just as much as is necessary for fruitful and reasonable work on it.

And Adeel answered:

“You said Tsur right! It was not joy that a star brought here, but sorrow, not peace, but war! This was not what I expected when I climbed the steep rocks to the stars, when my comrades broke off around me and fell into the abyss. I thought at least one of us would reach the goal and bring a star to earth. And in a bright light, a bright, bright life will come on earth. But when I stood on the square, when I saw our life by the light of a heavenly star, I realized that my dreams were crazy. I understood that you need light only in the inaccessible sky to bow before it in the solemn moments of life. On earth, the darkness is dearest to you in order to hide from each other, and most importantly, to rejoice at yourself, at your life eaten by mold. But even more than before, I felt that it was impossible to live this life. With every drop of her bloody mud, with every spot of damp mold, she silently cries out to the sky. However, I can console you: my star will not shine for long. There, in the distant sky, the stars hang and shine by themselves. But plucked from the sky, brought to Earth, a star can shine only by feeding on the blood of its holder. I feel my life, as if it rises through the body through the lamp to the star and burns in it. A little more, and my life will burn entirely. And you can’t give the stars to anyone, it goes out along with the life of the one who carries it, and everyone must get a star in the sky. And I turn to you, honest and brave in heart. Once you know the light, you no longer want to live in darkness. Go on a long journey and bring new stars here. The path is long and difficult, but nevertheless it will be easier for you than for us, who first died on it. The paths are laid, the paths are marked, and you will return with the stars, and their light will not dry out on earth anymore. And with their unquenchable light, such a life as now will become impossible. The marshes dry up. The black fogs will disappear. The trees are brightly green. And those who are now throwing themselves at the star in rage willy-nilly will take up the reorganization of life. After all, all their anger now comes from the fact that in the light they feel that it is impossible for them to live the way they live. And life will become great and pure. And it will be beautiful in the radiant light of the stars nourished by our blood. And when it finally comes down to us starry sky and illuminates life, it will find people worthy of light. And then our blood will no longer be needed to feed this eternal, everlasting light.

Black darkness rushed from all sides and closed over the extinguished star. Revived mists rose from the ground and swirled in the air. And the distant, powerless and harmless stars shone through them in the distant sky like miserable, timid lights.

Years have passed.

As before, people were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness. As before, life seemed peaceful and calm. But deep anxiety and dissatisfaction gnawed at her in the dark. People tried and could not forget what a bright star illuminated for them with its fleeting light.

The former quiet joys were poisoned. The lie is all over the place. A man reverently prayed to a distant star and began to think: “What if another madman appears and brings the star here to us?” The tongue was tangled, and the reverent soaring was replaced by a cowardly trembling. The father taught his son that in striving for the stars is the life and happiness of man. And suddenly the thought flashed: “Well, how will the desire for starlight really light up in the son, and like Adeil, he will go after the star and bring it to earth!” And the father hurried to explain to his son that the light, of course, is good, but it is crazy to try to bring it down to earth. There were such madmen and they died ingloriously, without bringing any benefit to life.

This is what the priests taught people. This is what scientists have proven. But their preaching was in vain. Every now and then the news spread that a certain young man or girl had left their native nest. Where? Is it not on the path indicated by Adeel? And people felt with horror that if the light again shines on earth, then, willy-nilly, they will finally have to take on an enormous job, and it will be impossible to move away from it anywhere.

With vague anxiety they peered into the black distance. And it seemed to them that over the edge of the earth the trembling reflection of the approaching stars was already beginning to flicker.

From: V.Veresaev, "Favorites".

Collected works in two volumes,

Moscow, 1959

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STAR

It happened in ancient times, in a distant, unknown land. over the edge
reigned eternal, black night. Rotten mists rose over the swampy
ground and floated in the air. People were born, grew up, loved and died in
raw darkness. But sometimes the breath of the wind dispersed the heavy vapors of the earth.
Then bright stars looked at people from a distant sky. There was a general
holiday. People who sat alone in dark, cellar-like dwellings,
converged on the square and sang hymns to Heaven. The fathers pointed the children to the stars and
taught that in striving for them is the life and happiness of man. Boys and girls
eagerly peered into the sky and rushed towards it with their souls from the darkness that crushed the earth.
The priests prayed to the stars. The stars were sung by poets. Scientists study the paths of stars
their number is magnitude and made an important discovery, it turned out that the stars
slowly but steadily approaching the ground. Ten thousand years ago - so
quite reliable sources spoke - it was difficult to distinguish
a smile on a child's face in one and a half steps. Now everyone can easily distinguish it
in three whole steps. There was no doubt that in a few
million years the sky will shine with bright lights and a kingdom will come on earth
eternal radiant light. All patiently waited for the blissful time and with
dying of hope. So for many years the life of people went quiet and
serene and warmed by meek faith in distant stars

One day the stars in the sky burned especially brightly. People crowded on
squares and in mute reverence ascended the soul to the eternal light. Suddenly out
the crowd rang out:
- Brothers! How bright and wonderful there in the high heavenly plains! And we have
It's damp and dark in here! My soul languishes, it has no life and will in eternal
darkness. As for the fact that in millions of years the life of our distant descendants
illuminated by an everlasting light? We, we need that light. Need more
air and food, more mother and beloved. Who knows - maybe there is
the path to the stars. Perhaps we can pluck them from the sky and set them up here,
among us, to the joy of the whole earth! Let's go look for ways, let's go look for
light for life!
There was silence in the meeting. In a whisper, people asked each other:
- Who is this?
- This is Adeil, a reckless and rebellious youth.
Again there was silence. And old Tsur spoke, the teacher of the smart ones, the light
Sciences.
- Dear young man! We all understand your grief. Who did not get sick at one time
her? But it is impossible for a man to pluck a star from the sky. The end of the earth ends
deep holes and abysses. Behind them are steep cliffs. And there is no way through them
to the stars. So say experience and wisdom.
And Adeel answered:
- Not to you, wise ones, and I turn. Your experience covers the eyes with eyesores
yours and your wisdom blinds you. I call on you, young and brave
heart, to you, who are not yet crushed by the decrepit old man's wisdom! - And he
was waiting for an answer.
Some said:
- We'd love to go. But we are light and joy in the eyes of our parents and not
we can make them sad.
Others said:
- We'd love to go. But we have just started building our houses, and we
need to fix them.
The third said:
Hello, Adele! We go with you!
And many young men and women arose. And they went after Adeel. let's go to
dark threatening distance. And the darkness swallowed them up.

It's been a long time. There was no news of those who had left. mothers mourned
recklessly dead children, and life went on as before. Again in the raw
dark darkness people were born, grew up, loved and died with the quiet hope that
after thousands of centuries, light will descend on the earth. But once upon a dark edge
on the ground, the sky was faintly illuminated by a flickering, quivering light. People crowded on
square and asked in surprise:
- What is it there?
The sky brightened every hour. Blue rays glided through the mists,
pierced the clouds, flooded the celestial plains with wide light. gloomy clouds
frightened swirled, pushed and fled into the distance. Everything spilled brighter
triumphant beams in the sky. And a thrill of unprecedented joy ran through the earth.
Staring into the distance was the old priest Satzoi. And he said thoughtfully:
- Such light can only come from an eternal heavenly star.
And Tsur, the teacher of the wise, the light of science, retorted:
- But how could a star come down to earth? We have no way to the stars and
there is no way for the stars to reach us.
And the sky shone brighter. And suddenly over the edge of the earth sparkled
blindingly bright point - Star! A star is coming! And in stormy joy ran
people towards. Bright as day, the rays drove the rotten mists before them.
Torn, tousled mists tossed and pressed to the ground. And the rays
beat them, tore them to pieces and drove them into the ground. Illuminated and cleansed
distance of the earth. People saw how wide this distance is, how much free space
on the earth, and how many of their brothers live on all sides of them. And in a stormy
joy they ran towards the light. Adeel walked along the road with a quiet step and
held high by the beam a star plucked from the sky. He was alone.
Asked him:
- Where are the others?
In a broken voice, he replied:
- Everyone died. Paved the way to heaven through the gaps and abysses. AND
died a heroic death.
Cheering crowds surrounded the star-bearer. The girls showered him with flowers.
Cliques of delight thundered:
- Glory to Adele! Glory to the bringer of light!
He entered the city and stopped in the square and held high in his hand
shining star. And jubilation spread throughout the city.

The days have passed. The star still shone brightly in the square, raised high
in Adela's hand. But for a long time already there was no rejoicing in the city. People were walking
angry and gloomy, with downcast eyes, and tried not to look at each other.
When they had to walk across the square, their eyes lit up at the sight of Adele.
dark hostility. No songs were heard. No prayers were heard. into place
dispersed by a star of rotten mists over the city thickened with an invisible fog
black sullen malice. It thickened, grew and tensed. And under her yoke
it was impossible to live. And then, with a cry, a man ran out into the square. Burning eyes
his face contorted in soul-rending anger. In a frenzy of rage he
shouted,
- Down with the star! Down with the accursed star-bearer! Brothers, aren't souls
all of you are screaming with my lips: down with the star, down with the light - he took our lives
and joy! We lived peacefully in the dark, we loved our sweet dwellings, our quiet
life. And look - what happened? The light has come - and there is no consolation
in what. Dirty ugly heaps are crowded at home. The leaves of the trees are pale and
slimy, like the skin on the belly of a frog. Look at the ground - it's all covered
bloody mud. Where does this blood come from, who knows? But she sticks to her hands, her
the smell haunts us for food and in a dream, it poisons and weakens our
humble prayers to the stars. And nowhere is there an escape from the audacious
all-pervading light. He breaks into our homes, and here we see: they all
caked with dirt, dirt has eaten into the walls, covered the windows with stinking heaps,
piled up in the corners. We can't kiss our lovers anymore
in the light of the Adiel Star, they became more repulsive than graveworms. Eyes
they are pale as wood lice, their soft bodies are stained and moldy. AND
we can no longer look at each other - we do not see a person in front of
himself, but a reproach to man. Each of our secret steps, each hidden
movement illuminates an inexorable light. Impossible to live! Down with the star-bearer, yeah
the world will die!
And others picked up:
- Down with! Let the darkness live! Only sorrow and damnation brings people light
stars. Death to the star-bearer!
And the crowd became agitated, and with a mad roar tried to intoxicate itself,
drown out the horror of your blasphemy against the world. And moved to Adeela. But
the star in the hand of the star-bearer shone deadly bright, and people could not approach
to him.
- Brothers, stop! - suddenly the voice of the old priest Satzoy was heard. -
You take a grave sin upon your soul, cursing the light. What did we pray, what did we
we live, if not by light? But you, my son, - he turned to Adeil, - and you
committed no lesser sin by bringing down a star to the ground. True, great Brahma
said: Blessed is he who strives for the stars. But people daring in their wisdom
misunderstood the word of the World-Honored One. The disciples of his disciples
explained the true meaning of the dark word of the All-Wise: to the stars man
should strive only with thoughts, and on earth darkness is as sacred as
in the sky is light. And this is the truth you despised with your ascended mind.
Repent, my son, throw a star, and let the former darkness reign on the earth.
Adele chuckled.
- Do you think that if I quit, the world on earth will not perish forever?
And people sensed with horror that Adeel had spoken the truth, that the former world had already
will never be reborn. Then old Tsur, the teacher of the smart ones, stepped forward,
light of science.
- You acted recklessly, Adeel, and now you yourself see the fruits of your
recklessness. According to the laws of nature, life develops slowly. And slowly
distant stars approach life. With their gradually approaching
light is gradually rebuilt and life. But you didn't want to wait. You're on
his fear plucked a star from the sky and brightly lit up life. What happened?
Here she is in front of us - dirty, miserable and ugly. But do we
Didn't you know it was like this before? And was that the task?
It is not great wisdom to pluck a star from the sky and illuminate with it the ugliness of life.
No, take on the difficult menial work of rebuilding life. Then you
you will see whether it is easy to clean it from the dirt accumulated over the centuries, whether it is possible to wash it off
this dirt, if only with a whole sea of the most radiant light. How much is in this
childish inexperience! How much misunderstanding of the conditions and laws of life! And so
instead of joy, you brought sorrow to the earth, instead of peace, war. And you could
and now be useful to life - break a star, take only a small one from it
a shard - and this shard will illuminate life just as much as it needs
for fruitful and reasonable work on it.
And Adeel answered:
- You said Tsur right! It was not joy that the star brought here, but sorrow
peace and war! This was not what I expected when I climbed the steep rocks to the stars,
when comrades broke off around me and fell into the abyss. I thought though
one of us will reach the goal and bring a star to earth. And in the bright light
a bright bright life will come on earth. But when I stood in the square, when
I saw our life by the light of a heavenly star, I realized that they were crazy
my dreams. I understand that you need light only in the unattainable sky, so that
to bow before him in the solemn moments of life. On earth, you have everything
darkness is dearer to hide from each other, and most importantly, to rejoice in oneself
on your moldy life. But even more than before, I felt
that it is impossible to live this life. With every drop of my bloody mud,
with every spot of damp mold, she cries incessantly to the sky. However, I can
console: my star does not shine for long. There, in the distant sky, the stars hang and
shine on their own. But plucked from the sky, brought to Earth, a star can
to shine only by feeding on the blood of the one who holds it. I feel like my life
the lamp rises through the body to the star and burns in it. A little more and
my whole life will burn. And you can’t give the stars to anyone, it goes out
along with the life of the one who bears it, and everyone must get a star in the sky. And to
I appeal to you, honest and brave in heart. Knowing the light, you no longer want
live in darkness. Go on a long journey and bring new stars here. Dolog and
the path is difficult, but nevertheless it will be easier for you than for us, for the first time
who died on it. The paths are laid, the paths are marked, and you return from
stars, and their light shall not fail again on earth. And with their unquenchable
in the world such a life as now will become impossible. The marshes dry up.
The black mists will disappear. The trees are brightly green. And those who are now
fury rush at the star, willy-nilly they will take up the reconstruction
life. After all, all their anger now is due to the fact that in the light they feel - they
it is impossible to live the way they live. And life will become great and pure. AND
she will be beautiful in the radiant light of the stars nourished by our blood. A
when the starry sky finally descends to us and illuminates life, it will find
people worthy of the light. And then our blood will no longer be needed to nourish
this everlasting light.
Adeel's voice trailed off. The last drops of blood escaped from his pale face.
The star-bearer's knees gave way, and he fell. A star fell with him.
It fell, hissed in the bloody mud, and went out.
Black darkness rushed from all sides and closed over the extinguished
star. Revived mists rose from the ground and swirled in the air. AND
pathetic timid lights shone through them in the distant sky distant
powerless and harmless stars.

Years have passed.
As before, people were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness.
As before, life seemed peaceful and calm. But deep anxiety
dissatisfaction gnawed at her in the darkness. People tried and failed
forget what a bright star illuminated for them with its fleeting light.
The former quiet joys were poisoned. Lies are all over the place.
A man prayed reverently to a distant star and began to think: "What if
will there be another madman and bring the star here to us?" The tongue stuttered, and
reverent soaring was replaced by a cowardly trembling. The father taught his son that
striving for the stars is the life and happiness of man. And suddenly the thought flashed: "Ah
well, how in the son the desire for starlight will really light up, and likewise
Adiel he will go after the star and bring it to earth!" And the father hurried
explain to his son that the light is, of course, good, but it’s crazy to try to bring it down
to the ground. There were such madmen and they died ingloriously, without bringing any benefit.
for life.
This is what the priests taught people. This is what scientists have proven. But in vain
their sermons sounded. Every now and then the news spread that a certain young man or
The girl left her native nest. Where? Is it not on the path indicated by Adeel? AND
people felt with horror that if light again shines on earth, then
Willy-nilly, I will have to finally take on an enormous job, and it will be impossible
get away from her.
With vague anxiety they peered into the black distance. And it seemed
them that over the edge of the earth a trembling reflection is already beginning to flicker
approaching stars.

It happened in ancient times, in a distant, unknown land.

Eternal, black night reigned over the edge. Rotten mists rose above the marshy ground and hung in the air. People were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness.

But sometimes the breath of the wind dispersed the heavy vapors of the earth. Then bright stars looked at people from a distant sky. There was a general holiday. People sitting alone in dwellings dark as a cellar converged on the square and sang hymns to heaven. Fathers pointed the children to the stars and taught that in striving for them lies the life and happiness of a person. Young men and women greedily peered into the sky and rushed to him with their souls from the darkness crushing the earth. The priests prayed to the stars. The stars were sung by poets. Scientists studied the paths of stars, their number, size and made an important discovery: it turned out that the stars are slowly but continuously approaching the earth. Ten thousand years ago - so the quite reliable sources said - it was difficult to distinguish a smile on the face of a child for one and a half steps. Now everyone could easily distinguish it in three whole steps. There was no doubt that in a few million years the sky would shine with bright lights, and the kingdom of eternal radiant light would come on earth. All patiently waited for the blissful time and died with the hope of it.

So for many years the life of people went on, quiet and serene, and it was warmed by meek faith in distant stars.

One day the stars in the sky burned especially brightly. People crowded the square and in mute reverence ascended in soul to the eternal light.

- Brothers! How bright and wonderful there, in the high heavenly plains! And here we have how damp and gloomy! My soul is languishing, it has no life and will in eternal darkness. As for the fact that in millions of years the life of our distant descendants will be illuminated with an everlasting light? We, we need that light. Need more air and food, more mother and lover. Who knows, maybe there is a way to the stars. Perhaps we are able to pluck them from the sky and set them up here, among us, for the joy of the whole earth. Let's go look for ways, let's go look for light for life!

There was silence in the meeting. In a whisper, people asked each other:

- Who is this?

“This is Adeel, a reckless and rebellious youth.

Again there was silence. And old Tsur spoke, the teacher of the smart, the light of science:

- Dear young man! We all understand your grief. Who hasn't had it in their time? But it is impossible for a man to pluck a star from the sky. The edge of the earth ends in deep chasms and abysses. Behind them are steep cliffs. And there is no way to the stars through them. So say experience and wisdom.

And Adeel answered:

- Not to you, wise ones, and I turn. Your experience covers your eyes with thorns, and your wisdom blinds you. I appeal to you, young and brave at heart, to you who have not yet been crushed by decrepit old age wisdom!

And he was waiting for an answer.

Some said:

- We'd love to go. But we are light and joy in the eyes of our parents and cannot cause them sorrow.

Others said:

- We'd love to go. But we have just started building our houses, and we need to finish building them.

The third said:

Hello, Adele! We go with you!

And many young men and women arose. And they went after Adeel. We went into the dark, formidable distance. And the darkness swallowed them up.

It's been a long time.

There was no news of those who had left. Mothers mourned the recklessly dead children, and life flowed on as before. Again in damp darkness people were born, grew up, loved and died with the quiet hope that in thousands of centuries light would come to earth.

V. VERESAEV

It happened in ancient times, in a distant, unknown land. Eternal, black night reigned over the edge. Rotten mists rose above the marshy ground and hung in the air. People were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness. But sometimes the breath of the wind dispersed the heavy vapors of the earth. Then bright stars looked at people from a distant sky. There was a general holiday. People sitting alone in dark, like cellars, dwellings, converged on the square and sang hymns to Heaven. The fathers pointed out the stars to the children and taught that in striving for them, the life and happiness of man. Young men and women greedily peered into the sky and rushed to him with their souls from the darkness crushing the earth. The priests prayed to the stars. The stars were sung by poets. Scientists studied the paths of stars and their number and made an important discovery, it turned out that the stars are slowly but continuously approaching the earth. Ten thousand years ago - so quite reliable sources said - it was difficult to distinguish a smile on the face of a child for one and a half steps. Now everyone could easily distinguish it in three whole steps. There was no doubt that in a few million years the sky would shine with bright lights and the kingdom of eternal radiant light would come on earth. All patiently waited for the blissful time and died with the hope of it. So for many years the life of people went quiet and serene, and it was warmed by meek faith in distant stars.

One day the stars in the sky burned especially brightly. People crowded the square and in mute reverence ascended in soul to the eternal light. Suddenly a voice came from the crowd:

Brothers! How bright and wonderful there in the high heavenly plains! And here we have how damp and gloomy! My soul languishes, it has no life and will in eternal darkness. As for the fact that in millions of years the life of our distant descendants will be illuminated with an everlasting light? We, we need that light. Need more air and food, more mother and lover. Who knows - maybe there is a way to the stars. Perhaps we are able to pluck them from the sky and set them up here, among us, for the joy of the whole earth! Let's go look for ways, let's go look for light for life!

There was silence in the meeting. In a whisper, people asked each other:

Who is this?

This is Adeel, a reckless and rebellious youth.

Again there was silence. And old Tsur spoke, the teacher of the smart, the light of science.

Dear young man! We all understand your grief. Who hasn't had it in their time? But it is impossible for a man to pluck a star from the sky. The edge of the earth ends in deep chasms and abysses. Behind them are steep cliffs. And there is no way to the stars through them. So say experience and wisdom.

And Adeel answered:

Not to you, wise ones, and I turn. Your experience covers your eyes with thorns and your wisdom blinds you. I appeal to you, young and brave at heart, to you who have not yet been crushed by decrepit old age wisdom! And he was waiting for an answer.

Some said:

We'd love to go. But we are light and joy in the eyes of our parents and cannot cause them sorrow.

Others said:

We'd love to go. But we have just started building our houses, and we need to finish building them.

The third said:

Hello Adele! We go with you!

And many young men and women arose. And they went after Adeel. Went into the dark menacing distance. And the darkness swallowed them up.

It's been a long time. There was no news of those who had left. Mothers mourned the recklessly dead children, and life flowed on as before. Again in the damp and dark darkness people were born, grew up, loved and died with the quiet hope that in thousands of centuries light would descend on the earth. But then one day, over the dark edge of the earth, the sky was faintly illuminated by a flickering quivering light. People crowded the square and asked in surprise:

What is it there?

Such light can only come from an eternal heavenly star.

And Tsur, the teacher of the wise, the light of science, retorted:

But how could a star come down to earth? We have no way to the stars and no stars have a way to us.

And the sky shone brighter. And suddenly a blindingly bright point flashed over the edge of the earth - a Star! A star is coming! And in stormy joy the people ran towards them. Bright as day, the rays drove the rotten mists before them. Torn, tousled mists tossed and pressed to the ground. And the rays hit them, tore them apart and drove them into the ground. The distance of the earth was lit up and cleared. People saw how wide this distance is, how much free space there is on earth, and how many of their brothers live in all directions from them. And in stormy joy they ran towards the light. Adeel walked along the road with a quiet step and held high by the ray a star torn from the sky. He was alone.

Asked him:

All died. Paved the way to heaven through the gaps and abysses. And died a heroic death.

Cheering crowds surrounded the star-bearer. The girls showered him with flowers. Cliques of delight thundered:

Glory to Adele! Glory to the bringer of light!

He entered the city and stood in the square, holding a shining star high in his hand. And jubilation spread throughout the city.

Down with the star! Down with the accursed star-bearer! Brothers, do not the souls of all of you cry out with my lips: down with the star, down with the light - it has deprived us of life and joy! We lived peacefully in the dark, we loved our sweet dwellings, our quiet life. And look - what happened? Light has come - and there is no consolation in anything. Dirty ugly heaps are crowded at home. The leaves of the trees are pale and slimy, like the skin on the belly of a frog. Look at the ground - it is covered with bloody mud. Where does this blood come from, who knows? But it sticks to our hands, its smell haunts us at food and in sleep, it poisons and weakens our humble prayers to the stars. And nowhere is there an escape from the bold all-penetrating light. He breaks into our houses, and now we see: they are all covered with mud, dirt has eaten into the walls, covered the windows with smelly heaps, piled up in the corners. We can no longer kiss our beloved by the light of the Star of Adeel, they have become more disgusting than graveworms. Their eyes are pale as wood lice, their soft bodies are stained and moldy. And we can no longer look at each other - we do not see a person in front of us, but a mockery of a person. Our every secret step, every hidden movement illuminates an inexorable light. Impossible to live! Down with the star-bearer, let the light perish!

It happened in ancient times, in a distant, unknown land. Eternal, black night reigned over the edge. Rotten mists rose above the marshy ground and hung in the air. People were born, grew up, loved and died in damp darkness. But sometimes the breath of the wind dispersed the heavy evaporation of the earth. Then bright stars looked at people from a distant sky. There was a general holiday. People sitting alone in dwellings as dark as cellars converged on the square and sang hymns to Heaven. The fathers pointed the children to the stars and taught that in striving for them is the life and happiness of a person. Young men and women greedily peered into the sky and rushed to him with their souls from the darkness crushing the earth. The priests prayed to the stars. Stars were sung by poets. Scientists have studied the paths of the stars and made an important discovery, it turned out that the stars are slowly but continuously approaching the earth. Ten thousand years ago - so quite reliable sources said - it was difficult to distinguish a smile on the face of a child for one and a half steps. Now everyone could easily distinguish it in three whole steps. There was no doubt that in a few million years the sky would shine with bright lights and the kingdom of eternal radiant light would come on earth. All patiently waited for the blissful time and died with the hope of it. So for many years the life of people went on, quiet and serene, and it was warmed by meek faith in the distant stars.

One day the stars in the sky burned especially brightly. People crowded the square and in mute reverence ascended in soul to the eternal light. Suddenly a voice came from the crowd:

Brothers! How bright and wonderful there in the high heavenly plains! And here we have how damp and gloomy! My soul is languishing, it has no life and will in eternal darkness. As for the fact that in millions of years the life of our distant descendants will be illuminated with an everlasting light? We, we need that light. Need more air and food, more mother and lover. Who knows - maybe there is a way to the stars. Perhaps we are able to pluck them from the sky and set them up here, among us, for the joy of the whole earth! Let's go look for ways, let's go look for light for life!

There was silence in the meeting. In a whisper, people asked each other:

Who is this?

This is Adeel, a reckless and rebellious youth.

Again there was silence. And old Tsur spoke, the teacher of the smart, the light of science.

Dear young man! We all understand your grief. Who hasn't had it in their time? But it is impossible for a man to pluck a star from the sky. The edge of the earth ends in deep chasms and abysses. Behind them are steep cliffs. And there is no way through them to the stars. So say experience and wisdom.

And Adeel answered:

Some said:

We'd love to go. But we are light and joy in the eyes of our parents and cannot cause them sorrow.

Others said:

We'd love to go. But we have just started building our houses, and we need to finish building them.

The third said:

Hello Adele! We go with you!

And many young men and women arose. And they went after Adeel. Went into the dark menacing distance. And the darkness swallowed them up.

What is it there?

Such light can only come from an eternal heavenly star.

And Tsur, the teacher of the wise, the light of science, retorted:

But how could a star come down to earth? We have no way to the stars and no stars have a way to us.

And the sky shone brighter. And suddenly a blindingly bright point flashed over the edge of the earth - a Star! A star is coming! And in stormy joy the people ran towards them. Bright as day, the rays drove the rotten mists before them. Torn, tousled mists tossed and pressed to the ground. And the rays hit them, tore them apart and drove them into the ground. The distance of the earth was lit up and cleared. People saw how wide this distance is, how much free space there is on earth, and how many of their brothers live in all directions from them. And in stormy joy they ran towards the light. Adeel walked along the road with a quiet step and held high a star plucked from the sky by the beam. He was alone.

Asked him:

All died. Paved the way to heaven through the gaps and abysses. And died a heroic death.

Cheering crowds surrounded the star-bearer. The girls showered him with flowers. Cliques of delight thundered:

Glory to Adele! Glory to the one who brought the light!

He entered the city and stopped in the square and held a shining star high in his hand. And jubilation spread throughout the city.

And others picked up:

Down with! Let the darkness live! Only grief and damnation brings people the light of the stars. Death to the star-bearer!

Brothers, stop! - suddenly the voice of the old priest Satzoy was heard. You take a heavy sin on your soul, cursing the light. What did we pray to, what do we live for, if not by light? But you, my son, - he turned to Adeel, - and you committed no lesser sin, bringing down the star to the ground. True, the great Brahma said: Blessed is he who aspires to the stars. But people daring in their wisdom have misunderstood the word of the World-Honored One. The disciples of his disciples explained the true meaning of the dark word of the All-Wise: a person should strive for the stars only with thoughts, and darkness on earth is as sacred as light in heaven. And this is the truth you despised with your ascended mind. Repent, my son, throw a star, and let the former darkness reign on the earth.

Adele chuckled.

Do you think that if I quit, the world on earth will not perish forever?

And people sensed with horror that Adeel had told the truth, that the former world would never be reborn. Then old Tsur stepped forward, the teacher of the clever, the light of science.

You acted recklessly, Adeel, and now you yourself see the fruits of your recklessness. According to the laws of nature, life develops slowly. And distant stars are slowly approaching life. With their gradually approaching light, life is gradually rebuilt. But you didn't want to wait. At your own risk, you plucked a star from the sky and brightly lit up life. What happened? Here she is in front of us - dirty, miserable and ugly. But didn't we already know that it was? And was that the task? It is not great wisdom to pluck a star from the sky and illuminate with it the ugliness of life. No, take on the hard menial work of rearranging life. Then you will see whether it is easy to cleanse it of the dirt that has accumulated over the centuries, whether it is possible to wash this dirt off even with a whole sea of the most radiant light. How much in this childish inexperience! How much misunderstanding of the conditions and laws of life! And now, instead of joy, you brought sorrow to the earth, instead of peace, war. And you could still be useful to life - break a star, take only a small fragment from it - and this fragment will illuminate life just as much as is necessary for fruitful and reasonable work on it.

And Adeel answered:

You said Tsur right! It was not joy that a star brought here, but sorrow, not peace, but war! This was not what I expected when I climbed the steep rocks to the stars, when my comrades broke off around me and fell into the abyss. I thought at least one of us would reach the goal and bring a star to earth. And in a bright light, a bright, bright life will come on earth. But when I stood on the square, when I saw our life by the light of a heavenly star, I realized that my dreams were crazy. I understood that you need light only in the inaccessible sky to bow before it in the solemn moments of life. On earth, the darkness is dearest to you in order to hide from each other, and most importantly, to rejoice at yourself, at your life eaten by mold. But even more than before, I felt that it was impossible to live this life. With every drop of her bloody mud, with every spot of damp mold, she silently cries out to the sky. However, I can console you: my star will not shine for long. There, in the distant sky, the stars hang and shine by themselves. But plucked from the sky, brought to Earth, a star can shine only by feeding on the blood of its holder. I feel my life, as if it rises through the body through the lamp to the star and burns in it. A little more, and my life will burn entirely. And you can’t give the stars to anyone, it goes out along with the life of the one who carries it, and everyone must get a star in the sky. And I turn to you, honest and brave in heart. Once you know the light, you no longer want to live in darkness. Go on a long journey and bring new stars here. The path is long and difficult, but nevertheless it will be easier for you than for us, who first died on it. The paths are laid, the paths are marked, and you will return with the stars, and their light will not dry out on earth anymore. And with their unquenchable light, such a life as now will become impossible. The marshes dry up. The black fogs will disappear. The trees are brightly green. And those who are now throwing themselves at the star in rage willy-nilly will take up the reorganization of life. After all, all their anger now is because in the light they feel that it is impossible for them to live the way they live. And life will become great and pure. And it will be beautiful in the radiant light of the stars nourished by our blood. And when the starry sky finally descends to us and illuminates life, it will find people worthy of light. And then our blood will no longer be needed to feed this eternal, everlasting light.

Years have passed.

The former quiet joys were poisoned. The lie is all over the place. A man reverently prayed to a distant star and began to think: "What if another madman appears and brings the star here to us?" The tongue was tangled, and the reverent soaring was replaced by a cowardly trembling. The father taught his son that in striving for the stars is the life and happiness of man. And suddenly the thought flashed: “Well, how will the desire for the starlight really light up in the son, and like Adeil, he will go after the star and bring it to earth!” And the father hurried to explain to his son that the light, of course, is good, but it is crazy to try to bring it down to earth. There were such madmen and they died ingloriously, without bringing any benefit to life.

With vague anxiety they peered into the black distance. And it seemed to them that over the edge of the earth the trembling reflection of the approaching stars was already beginning to flicker.