On December 1, Minsk / Vladimir Matveev - BELTA /. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes that he has never demanded that representatives of the creative intelligentsia create works to please the authorities. The head of state stated this today, meeting with the creative youth of the country, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "This is a norm, a conceptual basis of my policy as President. I have never oriented the intelligentsia, especially the creative one, writers, artists, to write to please the authorities. I believe that if someone approaches the intelligentsia with such a request, he simply humiliates them," the President said. According to the head of state, one cannot become a great artist without understanding the main thing: why you create, what social and moral charge your works carry. "Belarusian culture is based on the ideals of patriotism, fidelity to life's truth, love for man, and service to good. This heritage should become a source of spiritual strength for you," Alexander Lukashenko noted, addressing the participants of the meeting. "Unfortunately, today art has gradually begun to lose its moral compass. Some are tempted by low-quality mass culture, savoring immoral acts and even crimes, calling it 'a new word in art'," the Belarusian leader stated. "Even more unseemly are the attempts by some 'independent creative figures,' or to be more precise, cultural profiteers, to mix art with politics, to achieve cheap popularity by insulting their own country and people. I believe that none of you will ever compromise your conscience," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko cited the example of the shift in the authorities' orientation that has occurred in recent decades. "And these 'creative figures' of ours had to 'change their colors' several times in their lives. First, they fervently believed in communism and supported the communist idea. Then they quickly reoriented themselves to new ideas," the head of state noted. "I am categorically against this (the intelligentsia adapting to the authorities. - BELTA note), and you will never reproach me, you will not find grounds for this," the President said. "My portraits are not hanging anywhere except in officials' offices. They say it's necessary, although I perceive it very poorly. This is the only thing where I agreed and deviated from my requirements."