I come from a small northern town where the opportunities for gaining knowledge and broadening one’s worldview were less than optimal. Thus, Helsinki, with its innumerable possibilities, offered an entirely different environment for thinking. When I came to the University in 1981, the degree system had just been overhauled. Although it was soon recognised that it was not such a great success, for me it was essential that no one prevented me from studying different subjects in different faculties. Conducting research elsewhere in Finland or abroad was also a clear aim. Radical thinking was possible and no one interfered – after all it is a natural part of science.

From the very beginning, I took advantage of the opportunities offered by the University. I enrolled to study history and archaeology, but I also took part in musicology and theoretical philosophy courses. Initially, my minor subjects took precedence over my major, but in hindsight I am satisfied with my choices. Furthermore, the natural sciences soon became of central importance to me – quaternary geology and minerology.

Through the University, I forged contacts with the people generating knowledge. It was necessary simply to be active oneself. As archaeologists are wont to do, I soon engaged in field work, and as a result became familiar with the whole of Finland, from Hanko to Utsjoki, not to mention the areas of Karelia ceded to Russia. It was summer work, usually from the beginning of May until the end of September. As a result of work abroad, it is also natural for me to comment on the past of Finland’s neighbours and even on matters still further afield

I have also commented on Finance Minister Alexander Stubb’s remarks on the summer holidays of university professors.