Vasyl Stus

Vasyl Stus was a man of exceptional willpower, uncompromisingness, and stoicism. He was often called the "bare nerve of conscience": he felt extremely acutely any falsehood and injustice, was proud, self-sacrificing, and categorically refused to compromise with the totalitarian system. His character was revealed in more detail through the following traits: Uncompromisingness: He never forgave lies. He refused to admit the charges fabricated by the Soviet authorities and to write a request for clemency. Man without skin: He was often called this because of his extreme vulnerability to other people's pain and emotional depth, which contrasted sharply with his external severity. Stoicism: Despite cruel persecution, censorship, camps and undermined health, he retained inner freedom, dignity and loyalty to his beliefs until the last day. High intelligence and demandingness: He was extremely erudite, self-sufficient, read and translated a lot. He was demanding both of himself and of those around him, and valued honesty.