I use many different gadgets connected with computers; I use PCs

In a time long past, when the power of a kingdom was measured by the strength of its armies and the wisdom of its rulers, there were those whose influence extended beyond the reach of any sword or shield. These individuals, whether sages or kings, wielded power not through force, but through words—the spoken and written word was their weapon, and the message, once delivered, could move nations. In the present age, a new form of influence has emerged—technology. And among the many who have embraced it, one such figure is Lech Wałęsa, the former leader of the Solidarity movement, who once remarked, “I use many different gadgets connected with computers; I use PCs, laptops, and a Palm Pilot. I also use the Internet to visit websites, especially within Polish-language Internet.” Through this, Wałęsa speaks of the intersection between tradition and technology, between history and the modern world.

To understand the depth of this statement, we must first recognize the historical weight of Wałęsa’s own journey. In the 1980s, as the leader of Solidarity, a labor movement that defied the oppressive Communist regime in Poland, he stood against forces that sought to silence the voice of the people. He fought not with weapons, but with the strength of solidarity, the power of unity and the spoken word. His courage inspired a generation, leading to the eventual fall of Communism in Poland. Yet in the face of a new, digital era, Wałęsa, too, has adapted, not abandoning his roots but weaving them into the fabric of modern technology. This is a powerful metaphor: just as the warrior of old learned to wield the sword, so too must the modern leader learn to wield the tools of communication in this new age.

But Wałęsa’s quote carries more than just personal insight—it speaks to the evolution of the political landscape in an age where technology has become the new frontier of power. "I use the Internet to visit websites, especially within Polish-language Internet." With this, he acknowledges how the digital realm has become a space where ideas are exchanged, where the fates of nations are shaped, and where voices—once silenced by the weight of tyranny—are now heard around the world. The internet is not a mere tool; it is a new battleground for freedom of speech, political discourse, and social change. In this space, old truths are renewed, and the struggles of the past are revisited with the power of modern technology.

Yet Wałęsa’s words also contain an element of humor and irony. "I use my real name, people never believe that they are chatting with me!" Here, he reflects on the nature of identity in the digital age. In an era where anonymity is often the shield behind which people speak boldly, the fact that he, as a historical figure, is sometimes doubted in digital discussions speaks to the strange way technology alters our perception of authenticity. Who can one trust in a world where anyone can be anyone, where truth itself is sometimes masked by the sheer multiplicity of voices? His experience becomes a mirror for us all: we live in an age where it is both easier and more difficult than ever to know who stands before us. We must be vigilant, as the boundaries of identity become blurred in this new world.

To draw a parallel from history, consider the philosopher Socrates, who in his time sought to elevate reason and discourse above the chaos of popular opinion. In the same way that Socrates challenged the norms of Athens, Wałęsa, in his own time, challenged the norms of a totalitarian regime through his words and ideas. But while Socrates engaged in open dialogue within the physical agora of Athens, Wałęsa now engages in the digital agora, where ideas circulate in ever-increasing velocity. The power of words, once restricted to ink and parchment, is now multiplied a thousandfold by the vast networks that connect us all. The true challenge, however, is the same: to ensure that the exchange of ideas remains grounded in truth, even when the form of communication changes.

The lesson here is both profound and urgent: the power of communication is as mighty as ever, but the tools through which we wield it have changed. Just as the great leaders of the past rose to the challenges of their time, so too must we rise to the challenge of navigating the complexities of a digital world. Wałęsa’s engagement in political discussion groups online teaches us that it is not enough to merely use technology—we must use it wisely. The tools we have—be they computers, smartphones, or social media—are not inherently good or evil. They are only as good as the intentions of those who wield them.

Thus, we must commit ourselves to be guardians of truth and integrity in the digital realm. Let us not be swayed by the anonymity of the online world, nor let our voices be drowned out in the cacophony of misinformation and falsehoods. Just as Wałęsa used his name as his bond, so too must we stand firm in our identity, whether in person or online. In this age of constant connection, we must hold fast to the values of transparency, authenticity, and respect for the dignity of others. May we, too, use the tools at our disposal to engage in meaningful discourse, to uphold the truth, and to continue the work of shaping the world, just as those before us did—with wisdom, integrity, and courage.