Vow 45
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Soon after Gorbachev's resignation as president, the writer Chinghiz Aitmatov, his close friend and a supporter of perestroika, wrote a letter to Shin'ichi Yamamoto. It was titled "A Parable Told to Gorbachev," and detailed the latter's commitment to perestroika.
When the implementation of perestroika was under way and being applauded as a historic democratic reform, Gorbachev invited Aitmatov to visit him at the Kremlin. At their meeting, Aitmatov shared the following parable with Gorbachev.
One day, a prophet visits a great lord and asks; "Is it true that out of your concern for the people's happiness, you wish to give them complete freedom and equality?" That is true, confirms the lord, to whom the prophet then says: "You have two paths forward, two fates, two possibilities, and you are free to choose between them."
Vow 45
One of the two courses the prophet presented to the great lord was to govern strictly to consolidate the power of the throne. If he did that, then as heir to the throne, he would acquire unmatched power, and be able to enjoy the privileges of that position.
The second course was to give his people their freedom. That, however, was the difficult path of martyrdom. Why? The prophet explained: "The freedom you give the people will come back to you as the dark ingratitude of its recipients."
He continued: "Those who obtain their freedom will take revenge on you for the past as soon as they are liberated. They will denounce you to the masses, revile you in public, and scoff at and mock you and those close to you.
"Many of your once-trusted colleagues will openly criticize you and refuse to follow your instructions. To the end of your days you will never be free from the ambitions of your associates, who will continually try to humiliate you and trample on your name.
"Great lord, you are free to choose between these two fates."
The lord asked the prophet to wait, saying that he would ponder this and make his decision in seven days.
After Aitmatov finished recounting the parable and prepared to leave, Gorbachev spoke.
"There's no need to wait seven days—not even seven minutes. I have already made my choice. I will hold to my course no matter what. Democracy, freedom, and deliverance from the horrors of the past and all forms of dictatorship—these are the only way for me. The people are free to judge me however they please.
"Even if many today don't understand, I am determined to follow that path."
This letter sent by Chinghiz Aitmatov to Shin'ichi Yamamoto fully conveyed Gorbachev's extraordinary commitment to pursuing perestroika.
People who only care about protecting their own interests, who hunger for fame and profit, cannot carry out true reform. The great undertaking of kosen-rufu, too, will be achieved by people of resolute commitment.
