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You can’t perceive the Russian land,
You’ll fail to measure it with measures:
From common way apart it stands –
You can but trust in Russian treasures.
These lines, written by one of our most famous poets Fyodor Tyutchev, are dear to the heart of every Russian person. If one does anything wrong, it is because of “national mentality.” If one has a virtue, it is because of “Russian soul.” So what is this “Russian mystery?” Where is that way, which our country has chosen, and is it really so far from other nations that they have obvious difficulties understanding our national peculiarities?
Russian culture is unique not only because of the geographic location between the two opposites in orientation civilizations: Eastern and Western, but also because of its great diversity. Diversity can be found in everything: climate, landscape, ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and so on. Vast territories have had their impact on our national character: open space – open hearts and souls. We are famous for our hospitality and long-lasting endurance, but once hurt – Russians won’t tolerate an offence. With the fury of a mountain river will we stand for our pride until justice is restored.
Diversity is not the only reason why even Russians do not always understand themselves. I believe that the mystery of the Russian soul should be looked for in the nature of our society. We need certain instability, some conflict, and some disturbance. Only then Russians feel united. Really, it is a country of extremes, and there are no half-way points: paganism and Christianity, Slavophils and Westernizers, “reds” and “whites,” democrats and communists… While others try to find a compromise, we would rather die but not yield. Russia is a nation of drunken philosophers, strong and susceptible, witty and lazy, reckless and wary. It is a mystery put in a razzle-dazzle labyrinth.
As for the treasures, Russians do not really care for material values: there are far too many cases when people shared the last they had in order to help those who are in need. However, we dearly love nature and everything connected with it. “Mother Nature,” we say, feeling those intangible ties between us and every tree, every little spring or river. Russian people admire bravery and power, but wit and slyness are more approvable. We do not care for norms but we hold deep respect for relationships. Harsh climate makes harsh people, but there is always some room in the heart for warmth and kindness towards a close person.
Some mysteries are never to be solved. Some questions are never to be answered. Why spoil the charm of the unknown? Russia is attractive because it does have the enigma, because it is inexplicably unidentifiable and incomprehensible. Still, if I am asked to answer the question, “What is Russia?” in one word, I would say, “Love.” Times change, people come and go, but love stays. It stays in our hearts, in our souls, in the way we live – it stays in the people.
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Sergey A. Gorbatov
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Thanks! Ilan Tsekhman | Jun 19th, 2008
Thank you for your interesting perspective into Russian society and Russian life
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