Vytautas LANDSBERGIS
THE BEGINNING OF MANY BEGINNINGS
The first Lithuanian book marked the beginning of the written language, a beginning which in itself meant many other beginnings. It opened the gates for discoveries and arrivals. By starting to speak the Lithuanian word, the book rendered the ideal way to unite the nation and the land, and to orate - in ones native tongue - to oneselves and to the world. Ignoring national borders, the book linked the two Lithuanias - Major and Minor, and their capitals - Vilnius and Königsberg. It caused the appearance of the first long - lived axis in the Lithuanian culture. It also led to a still greater emergence: it brought into existence the first versatile Lithuanian textbook of a Christian way of life - a catechism supplemented with the rules and democratically meant for all, regardless of their station or wealth. It caused the rise of the first primer - an inexhaustible source of life for the Lithuanian written word, and of the first hymnal with music-a manual for spiritual development.
Any book, the first in particular, after being a novelty is also the consolidation and reflection of its different predecessors. Books accumulate and convey the knowledge and wisdom of the community and the whole of mankind. A book enters the continuity of the written language and spirit of a nation, it gives an impetus for the manifestation of new creation.
The 450th anniversary of the first Lithuanian book put forward an excellent opportunity to rejoice over notable publications and celebrated events, whilest at the same time urging us to concentrate and ask ourselves: What does a book mean to the nation, the state, the community of nations to which we belonged, and to its civilisation? Who was this man, Martynas Mažvydas (Martinus Mosvidius), the first to start speaking to Lietuvinykump ir Szemaicziump (Lithuanians and Samogitians) in his full voice, and how important are his words today? Finally, all others, who were constructing our written language before and after him, must also be remembered because the word became printed type and was the sense of and a monument to their lives. We must weigh it all once more and deepen our perception of it in order to enrich the peoples of many nations, not just of our own country. To this end, we will be returning again and again to the Book that is unique to us. The questions which have been raised and will be raised may well find their answers in the vast bibliography on the 450th anniversary of the first Lithuanian book. The bibliography embraces many voices and has a wealth of content. It is significant because it testifies to everyone who has felt the value of the word of Martynas Mažvydas and given him the rostrum and the respect that is his due. For this we express our sincere gratitude to all such people.
In this changing age of ours, some have tried and are still trying to preach that the world of civilisation, based on the publishing of books, is supposedly drawing to an end. Gutenbergs Universe will supposedly vanish leaving behind only push-buttons and picture-screens. The prophecy is not coming true. We behold and cherish the advantages of both the old book and the new-electronic-book. They both dwell in harmony and accord even when we write on modern hardware or browse through Internet pages. Upheld by them, we take part in the problems and changes of civilisation. Here in this world, Lithuania does exist as does the Lithuanian book and the beginning of its beginnings - Martynas Mažvydas and Catechismvsa prasty szadei They will always be with us.