This text examines the naming and understanding of the events that took place in Central and Eastern Europe in the latter half of the 1980s. The author critically analyzes terms such as 'turnover', 'soft revolution', or 'stolen revolution', and debates their applicability to reality. He emphasizes that historical events cannot be reduced solely to facts, but human understanding and reactions to them must be considered. Following Arnold Toynbee, he presents the concept of 'challenge and response' as key to interpreting historical changes. He points out the risk of simplistic causal analysis and stresses the shared responsibility of all citizens for political development. The author reflects on the nature of hopes and expectations of ordinary people during times of change and analyzes historical movements that promised to improve the position of the masses, even though many ended in failure. He calls for reflection on the ongoing development and for seeking solutions to global problems that transcend local boundaries.