The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish

In a Certain Kingdom

This classic, which was written down in verse by Alexander Pushkin, Russia's greatest poet, is a cautionary tale about the danger of desiring too much. No villains or heroes in this one, just some unexpected magic from a talking fish... and the surprising lengths to which some people will go when given a bit of power. Perhaps, in a way, this is a perfect story for election season. In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar reads a short essay from Ivan Ilyin on the necessity for everyone, in times of crisis, not to search for answers outside, but to begin the hard work of inner transformation. It is a consoling, but challenging, message that transcends partisan lines, and reminds us of what's really important, and how we can begin to effect real change in our world, even today.