The Serbian Philosophy of Life: What We Can Learn from the Balkan People

People as Snakes and People as Birds

There's a belief that people are divided into two types, like animals. Some are compared to snakes, destined to crawl, be angry, and threaten with venom. Others are like birds, given the soaring flights of nightingales and the radiance of dawn.

The path of life is full of serpentine traps, but there are still more 'winged' people in the world. They, vulnerable and vibrant, sing their songs and come to know profound happiness. It is important to remember that everyone chooses for themselves what nests in their heart—a snake or a bird.

The 'Polako' Principle: The Art of Living Without Haste

One of the first things you can learn from Serbs is their life principle, expressed by the word 'polako'. It helps in coping with stress, which is especially noticeable for residents of big cities.

This is not infantilism or indifference, but the ability to 'make haste slowly.' Serbs are capable of doing their tasks at a measured pace, without creating a fuss. However, sometimes this slowness can seem excessive. For example, in a story about buying train tickets, the cashier worked so slowly that there was only a minute and a half left until departure. In response to the concern about being late, she calmly replied, 'Run, you still have time.'

Despite such cases, in Belgrade, for example, food delivery services work quite fast, bringing orders in 15-30 minutes. Perhaps in other cities, like Niš or Subotica, the rhythm of life is even more measured.

The 'Merak' Philosophy: The Ability to Savor the Moment

Another important concept in Serbian culture is 'merak'. It is the ability to derive pleasure from life, to enjoy the current moment without thinking about the past or the future.

Serbs know how to find joy in simple things. They can drink a cup of coffee ('kafa') or smoke a cigarette with special relish and pleasure, turning it into a real ritual. This ability to live in and appreciate the moment is something truly worth learning.

The Cult of Family: The Special Role of Fathers in Upbringing

In Serbia, family walks are highly valued, especially in spring and summer along waterfronts and promenades. You can see many couples holding hands, both young and old. But what is particularly striking is the attitude of fathers towards their children.

• Most people walking with children are fathers.
• They are actively involved in games: laughing, tossing their little ones in the air, playing with them.
• This is not just a formal presence, but a sincere participation in the child's life.

Such involvement of men in child-rearing is noticeably different from the usual picture, where mothers or grandmothers are more often seen walking with children. Serbian men show a surprising fondness for children.

The 'Inat' Phenomenon: Stubbornness as a Principle

Serbs have a unique concept of 'inat,' which can be translated as 'doing something out of spite' or 'on principle.' It is a form of stubbornness that manifests when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

'Inat' can be both amusing and problematic, especially when pride is at stake. For example, in response to a refusal to show a wedding dress purchased in advance, friends might, on principle, refuse to look at it later when offered, saying: 'Now we don't want to. Inat!'

This principle can also manifest in more serious situations, for example, in interactions with service staff. If a local feels they have been poorly served, especially by a foreigner, word of mouth might spread with a call to boycott the establishment.

A Special Approach to Food and Drinks

Another useful habit to adopt from Serbs relates to their food culture. They adhere to the rule of separating drinks and food.

Before a meal, about 10-20 minutes prior, they drink beverages: water, tea, wine, beer, or rakija. During the meal itself, they try not to drink anything. This avoids diluting gastric juices and aids better digestion.

After the meal, they also take a pause before drinking anything again. This approach is considered beneficial from a nutritional standpoint and is an integral part of Serbian feasts.