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Eneken Laanes, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of Comparative Literature, Tallinn University School of Humanities

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a scientist. During my school years, I attended several language and literature olympiads, motivated by my literature teacher, which required a lot of independent research work at the library. In autumn, I was given the topic for the olympiad, and in spring, my knowledge was tested. I was introduced to the works of Jaan Kaplinski, Oskar Luts and Hando Runnel, and after a while, I knew every little detail of Johannes Aavik’s linguistic innovations. I happily spent my time inside the dusty archives of the Literary Museum while my friends were outside enjoying their youth.

Even at the university level, I have never learned any author in such detail. I was especially captivated by Kaplinski’s poetry, so much so that I forgot I was studying for an olympiad. I was lucky to have such an inspiring literature teacher at my small rural school in Lähte. At the end of the decisive 80s, my favourite subject was actually history.

My career choice was influenced by my bookbinder great-grandfather. His daughter, or my grandmother, bought many books during the Soviet era. She used to always get children’s books in sets of three, as she wanted all her grandchildren, me and my two sisters, to have their own personal libraries.

Studies show that children are primarily motivated to read by having many books at home rather than by the quantity of books their parents read on their own or for their child.

I read books for fun during summer vacations. I think it is the greatest feeling to start reading first thing in the morning, so it can be my main activity for the day. I’ve always kept reading physical books. I do have an e-reader, but I prefer to hold a real book in my hands.

Literary scientists are always asked about their favourite books, but I like so many books on different levels, so it is difficult to name just one. For a long time, my favourite was ‘Summertime’ by J. M. Coetzee. Our reading experiences are also influenced by the time and context in which we read the book. For example, I read Kafka’s ‘The Trial’ in 1993 while waiting to cross the Polish-German border for five days when I was travelling to Germany for my studies in a haul truck. The backdrop was perfect for my appreciation of the book.

I like books that are light and fluid in both language and content, so they feel like they were easy to write. Light does not mean shallow. You can explain very deep concepts using a fluid style.

I have never written fictional literature myself. My need to write is satisfied by my work in science. Sometimes, when I have enough time, I do it with great creative passion. Unlike many, I enjoy research that leans towards theory. As a scientist, my favourite topics relate to history and memory, and lately, to literature and emotion.

I take interest in autobiographical literature, or why readers love reading about the life stories of others. Psychologists who study human relations to their past say that every person needs to be able to create a story about themselves. Reading about the lives of others helps us better conceptualise our own stories. This is why many people keep diaries. Social media fills a similar role. A life story is an important part of every person’s identity. Oftentimes, organising our past can help us find a better path into the future.

I am extremely happy to work as a scientist, even though it was hard at first. In the first decade after Estonia’s restoration of independence, it was difficult to study and find money to get by. My daughter was born while I was still studying for a degree, but I found my work important and wanted to continue. I often felt like I had to choose between my work and my daughter. By the time I finished my PhD thesis and my son was born, I had changed completely as a mother. I learned to prioritise my children. The PhD degree also provided many more opportunities as a scientist.

The joys of being a scientist:

• I like learning new things.
• If I get to write a scientific article without having to worry about time, I am hit by a creative euphoria.
• My career in science has helped me find work on an international stage. I have worked in the USA, Germany and Italy, and these experiences have greatly enriched the lives of me and my family.

Career:

• Translator, subtitler – 7 years
• Project manager – 1 year
• Research assistant – 6 years
• Scientist – 20 years

Education:
2009 University of Tartu, Doctorate of Philosophy in World Literature
2002 University of Tartu, Master’s in World Literature
1998 The Estonian Institute of Humanities, Bachelor’s in Literary Theory
1990 Lähte Secondary School
 

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