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The President of the Republic At the reception held on the occasion of the 85th birthday of Jaan Kross At Kadriorg, February 16, 200516.02.2005
Honourable Jaan Kross
Dear Mrs. Ellen Niit
Dear Guests!
The creative work and activities of Jaan Kross have so many facets that seeing him only as a writer would be an obvious simplification. Herewith I do not pretend to give a comprehensive analysis - let it be done at the international colloquium where you all participate. I would like to limit myself with highlighting some features that I see as being very meaningful.
Needless to say that Jaan Kross is first and foremost a writer. But the fact that his works have been translated into a quarter of a hundred languages, makes him an Estonian who has made it possible for people who speak all those languages to enter not only into Estonian literature but also into Estonian frame of thinking. And so they can discover for themselves the existence of this small nation and the unique richness of its culture.
It is very fortunate that it can be done through the eyes of Jaan Kross. Jaan Kross is a very attentive observer, an accurate and elaborate narrator, and a balanced judge. Maybe it is so because he has studied law, but surely it must be also because of his natural gift.
Jaan Kross is a perfect representative of Estonians and the Estonian way of thinking since he is not only an observer but also a firsthand participant. Being the same age as the Republic of Estonia he has lived through all the success and ordeals that the citizens of our state have had. But besides the recent history he knows thoroughly also the older history and cultural history. Therefore his words weigh more than those of a bystander.
I would like to thank you, honourable Jaan Kross, for showing Estonia to the world and to Estonians themselves. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your upcoming jubilee!
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