The New Acropolis Cultural Association in Ukraine held all-Ukrainian competition on poetry and essay, which lasted more than 3 month. The authors were asked to reflected on philosophical issues and submit their reflections in the form on poem or essay: how to find the inner strength to confront the challenges of life? What does it mean to be human?  What is the meaning of life?

In total 485 participants took part in the competition and submitted 1361 works –  214 essays, 1147 poems. The writings were read and evaluated by Organization Committee that consisted of nine juries, invited well known writers and poets in Ukraine and members of “New Acropolis” association. 6 winners were selected in the categories of essays and poetry.

Participation in the competition promotes development of writing skills and philosophical thinking, so that authors learn to write thoughtfully and concisely. Official name and key topic of the competition was “Dare to Be”, referring to Hamlet’s question “To be or not to be?”.  The slogan of event sounded as “You can be stronger than you think”.

The essays and poems of the winners are published on the website and will be additionally published in New Acropolis magazine “Idealist”:  https://www.newacropolis.org.ua/articles?category=konkurs-poezii-ta-ese 

When facing challenges of life, there are two ways to respond. To be and to find the strength to live a full life in new conditions. Or not to be – to fall asleep, hide, ignore and sacrifice the past. What choice makes the human?