I’ve been living in Copenhagen for three weeks now, having moved here for university, and I’m delighted with my decision. Currently, I’m staying at a hostel in Nørrebro, but next week, I’ll be relocating to the International Kollegium. The initial weeks were quite overwhelming, leading me to seek a personal challenge. Interestingly, I’m not a fan of running; I prefer walking for reasons I can’t quite explain.
However, during my daily strolls, I stumbled upon the Assistens cemetery, which presented a stark contrast to the quiet, somewhat eerie cemeteries I was accustomed to in Hungary. This one, or perhaps it’s an exception, resembled more of a park. It was a place where one could spot a man meditating, a mother jogging with her daughter, couples enjoying a leisurely walk, and students socializing with drinks and cigarettes.
For some inexplicable reason, this sight inspired me to incorporate running into my daily routine. I began with a modest 3-kilometer run and progressively added an extra 0.5 kilometers each day, aiming to reach a 5-kilometer goal by the week’s end. Armed with the Strava app, I embarked on this newfound challenge. The process was undeniably painful, yet I persisted and ran every day.
During this period, I had unexpected encounters. On the first day, I unintentionally passed by the grave of Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher. Intrigued by this discovery, I purposely sought out Niels Bohr’s resting place on the third day, a connection inspired by my current reading of “American Prometheus.”
Upon sharing my unusual experience with a friend, they expressed disapproval of running in cemeteries, prompting me to reflect on my actions and write this piece. It struck me that these spaces, primarily intended as resting places for the departed, also have the potential to integrate into our daily lives. Essentially, these cemeteries resemble parks, and it’s crucial not to let them fall into neglect.
A well-known saying comes to mind: “A nation without a past is a lost nation.” I believe that we should take pride in the few exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on our world, society, and collective consciousness. The sight of Kierkegaard’s grave, nestled within this serene cemetery-park, filled me with a sense of reverence and responsibility. It’s essential that we cherish these locations, not only for our ancestors but as a testament to our history and culture.
Originally published on Medium
in illo tempore 