Djela #18: Moji univerziteti

"My Universities", the third part of Maxim Gorky's autobiographical trilogy, completes the story of his coming of age and intellectual development. The novel begins with Alexei's arrival in Kazan, a city that for him represents a symbol of hope and intellectual progress. He is convinced that he will receive a formal education there and find a path to a better life. However, reality is harsh. Alexei has no means to pay for his education and is forced to do hard work to survive. While working as a manual laborer, Alexei begins to attend "universities of life" - informal gatherings of workers, intellectuals and political activists. These gatherings open the door for him to the world of literature, philosophy and ideas about social change. Through conversations and interactions with various people, Alexei gradually develops his revolutionary ideas and critical view of society. Despite hunger, poverty and constant struggles for survival, Alexei finds solace in books and learning. In the end, he comes to the realization that formal education is not the only path to knowledge. The life lessons he learned among people and through his own experiences become his true "universities." "My Universities" is not only a story of his personal development, but also a critique of society and the system that discourages the working class from getting an education. "My Universities" is a powerful conclusion to Gorky's autobiographical trilogy. This book emphasizes the value of independent learning, willpower, and the fight for justice, making it relevant even today.