Alexandr Korol

locations where they already are. And that I have to restore them first, like a kind of restoration, even without knowing what they’re going to be used for. That is, I don’t even know which of the things I’m restoring I’ll live in or what purpose they will serve — I don’t know. And so, when people asked me, “Why are you building farms, a farmhouse, restoring all that?” I answered, “I just need to restore it, like a museum exhibit — I don’t know why. I was told to — so I’m doing it. I must not disobey.” And of course, people tend to overthink and make things up — like maybe it will become impossible to live in the city and everyone will need to move to the countryside. Or maybe there’s something hidden in Karelia. Or maybe something else entirely. People come up with all sorts of things. But what’s the point? It’s not in my power, and not in yours either. I also have this approach: people have their thoughts, and I have mine. I’ve been building in Karelia since 2020, so that’s already four years. It’s a massive effort, and I pour all my money into it. And you wouldn’t believe how many offers I’ve had — from relatives, friends, acquaintances, and others — suggesting I rent it out or turn it into a mini eco-hotel. But I can’t. So imagine, I’m spending huge amounts just to maintain all this, without even wanting to live there myself, and I’m just building — without knowing why. And no one tells me. And the most interesting thing is, I’m not even curious. You might actually be more curious than I am. Even though it’s natural for people to wonder — why, for what purpose. And it’s as if, if you don’t get that answer, you won’t act. But I’m not like that — I just do it. I don’t even know why. Can you imagine? I’m building, not knowing why. And it’s not like I think it’s necessarily for me at all. I don’t know what it’s for. Maybe I really will live there someday. Maybe. But when? When I’m already walking with a cane? It’s unclear. How would I live there in that forest? Alone? I don’t have a family, no kids, no one, nothing. What would I even do in that forest? Sure, back when I was younger, I could call friends over — barbecue, fishing, fine. But when I go back, I’ll already be an older man. What would I do? Sit on a hill and meditate? By then, I wouldn’t care where I sit. No, anything’s possible. There are both optimistic and pessimistic views. You could imagine that some influential person on a global scale notices my book. My books start selling in every language around the world... Let’s take a material perspective, no illusions. And then, my books start selling in all languages. Scientists make discoveries based on my books, movies and series get made.