Restoring the sense of one’s own “I”, that is, the self-identification of a people who were in long-term unconsciousness, is, first of all, a revival historical memory and national identity. To understand who we are now, we need to understand what we were like, including what the Russian national character was. Most of all, the character of a people is evidenced by its historical fate. Here we should repeat obvious historical facts, which, due to prevailing prejudices, are not at all obvious to public opinion - both domestic and foreign. Not a single civilized people has survived in such unprecedentedly difficult climatic, natural and geopolitical conditions, having mastered the largest spaces in history, forming the largest state in the world, without destroying or enslaving a single people, and creating a great culture. It is clear that the people committing these unprecedented acts have unique qualities.
Apparently, the East Slavic tribes, capable of mastering the harshest spaces on the Eurasian continent, were initially distinguished by their dynamic and hardworking character, hardy and stubborn, brave and violent. The contradictory properties of the Slavic epileptoid type of character (as defined by Ksenia Kasyanova) were genetically transmitted to Russian people. In ordinary situations, the epileptoid is calm, patient, thorough and thrifty, but is capable of a breakdown in an irritating situation; if you put pressure on him for a long time, he is explosive. He sets his own pace of life and goal setting, strives to act at his own rhythm and according to his own plan. He is characterized by thoroughness, consistency, perseverance in achieving goals, which can turn into stubbornness. Such people produce leaders or leader-organizers who either perceive national interests and strive with incredible persistence to realize them, or maniacally impose their ideas on the people. The epileptoid character is characterized by slow reactions, some “viscosity” of thinking and actions ( Russian guy is strong in hindsight). In calm states, the epileptoid type is prone to mild depression: lethargy, apathy, bad moods and decreased activity tone, which was characterized as Russian laziness. Switching to another type of activity is difficult, and the mobilization of forces for this is slow, because it takes time to “build up” and get used to new circumstances. But as a result, the Russian people gave an adequate response to the challenges of fate, because the naturally talented people for centuries honed their minds and ingenuity in the most difficult struggle for survival. That's why The Russian takes a long time to harness, but goes quickly. Compared to Europeans, Russians are more restrained in their manifestations, but also more constant in their states - both calm and violent.
The dominance of the emotional sphere in an epileptoid is fraught with the fact that in an affective state his protective mental mechanisms and moral barriers fail. The violent nature of the Slav is tamed by Orthodox education. Orthodox ceremonies, traditional rituals, as well as the exacting state structure compensated for the lack of internal energy in calm near-depressive states or extinguished excess energy in situations of emotional overload and breakdowns, aligned emotional cycles characteristic of an epileptoid, mobilized in time or switched energy to the current sphere of activity. Habits-rituals “rocked” the epileptoid in states of “freezing”, saved his strength, and gently switched him to everyday activities. Festive rituals decorated life, aligned and strengthened it with preventive relaxation and unloading of the psyche. But with the destruction of the traditional way of life, the people fell into turmoil and the holidays were replaced by incessant drunkenness and revelry.
Perhaps only a people with such a character could adapt to the harsh, unstable climatic and geopolitical cycles of northeast Eurasia. But at the expense of losses and gains, at the expense of aggravating some character difficulties. Weaknesses and unhealthy qualities were compensated by the way of life: the Russian way of life is a continuation of the Russian character and vice versa. But when traditions and ties with deep national guidelines collapsed, Russian people lost themselves, degraded, and surrendered to false authorities or utopias. The feeling of the meaninglessness of life for a Russian person is worse than any test. Periods of unrest in Russian life have always been caused by the destruction of statehood and the violation of traditional foundations by the ruling classes. At the same time, certain painful forms are more characteristic of Russian people: distorted sacrifice, nihilism as a desire for destruction and self-destruction, where secularized apocalypticism displaces Christian eschatology. A manic European creates an iron order within himself and seeks to enslave everyone around him. The Russian, having lost his traditional foundations, obsessively destroys everything around him, self-immolating - something like this is almost never seen in Europe.
Genetically, Russian people are prone to individualism and isolation. But education in the Orthodox conciliar culture instilled in the people a value motivation of duty, in contrast to the rational motivation of benefit that dominates in the West. In our society, people’s behavior is no longer assessed by results, but by compliance with accepted norms, actions - not by benefit, but by correctness. This is due to a strong conciliar sense of self - its unity with the social and national whole and its organic place in it. Therefore, the conciliar motives for action for the sake of land, peace or in the name of a common cause always proved to be dominant. Among Russian people there is often a type who strives for self-denial and even heroic sacrifice, which cannot bring individual benefit. At the same time, he is intuitively convinced that actions in fairness correspond to some higher benefit. And indeed, only service to the highest duty and the ability of self-sacrifice ultimately bring incomparable benefits to society. great benefit, which may result - sooner or later - in sublime benefits for the actor himself. Well, if it doesn’t work out here, it will certainly be rewarded from above. This metaphysical confidence and spiritual self-satisfaction are nurtured by Orthodoxy. Russian public opinion, as a rule, highly values ascetics, because they awaken the cultural religious archetypes inherent in us.
The need for self-preservation in harsh conditions and demanding religious ideals fostered restraint, self-restraint, asceticism, and the priority of the spirit over the flesh. The uniqueness of the national character of the Russian people is that they are not able to be inspired by consumer ideals, because Russian culture is little focused on material wealth. Hoarding and the desire to get rich at any cost were not widespread among Russians, and in public opinion, a person’s dignity was assessed more by internal qualities, and not according to financial situation. The principle of ascetic sufficiency and self-restraint operated even in rare periods of prosperity - in the name of accumulating strength in the harsh struggle for survival and for more pressing spiritual interests. Therefore, Russian culture is little focused on the production and accumulation of material wealth. Russian people, unlike Europeans, are not able to devote all their efforts to material prosperity, to arranging their life and maintaining sterile cleanliness. It is more typical for us to strive to clear away the natural chaos, to pacify the elements just enough to preserve ourselves and preserve strength for the main issues of life - manifested in different forms at different levels of culture, but invariably spiritual, heavenly, eternal. Achievements in the material field are possible for a Russian person only if they are a function of higher goals: the defense of the Motherland, the development of earthly spaces, the realization of a social ideal or individual self-realization. Russians are more inclined to search for the meaning of life, but they also suffer more from the loss of the sacred in life, from the meaninglessness of existence.
Contrary to popular opinions about Russian barbarism and cruelty, Russian history is more virtuous than European history, and public morality is more demanding. In Rus', indulgences, the Inquisition, scalps, and Orthodox life it is impossible to imagine the debauchery that reigned in the monasteries of Catholic Europe and in the Vatican, it is impossible to detect such a decline in morals as was widespread in European cities era of Humanism, or mass bloody massacre, as on St. Bartholomew's Night in France, with Hundred Years' War in Germany, with the burning of “witches” throughout Europe. At the same time, Russian chronicles impartially call evil evil, while the Europeans, despite all the atrocities in Europe and the extermination of aborigines on all continents, considered themselves the most civilized in the world. By annexing vast territories and many peoples, the Russians showed national and religious tolerance unprecedented in Europe. The people of the cathedral nature have perceived and assimilated many cultures for centuries. At the same time, he invariably digested alien archetypes implanted by the elite, ruling layer, mutely resisting them, adapting, but maintaining their own spiritual constitution.
The Russian people have unprecedented survival in the most difficult conditions, and therefore the ability to adapt to them through the formation of themselves, and not through the destruction of the surrounding world. Such people are characterized by incredible tenacity and inflexibility in fulfilling their historical mission. The people are capable of unprecedented long-suffering, but only if the hardships of life are justified by higher goals. He can withstand enormous hardships, but he will not survive the loss of the meaning of life. Russian people are not very responsive to any kind of radical reforms: they like to preserve, not destroy. Moreover, long-suffering ends precisely when the traditional way of life is forcibly destroyed for a long time and traditional values are violated.
In the absence of a mobilizing organic national ideal, the Russian people withered away. In this case, the people resisted the establishment of a hostile way of life by the authorities with passivity, indifference, showing creative dynamism only in areas close to their vital interests. The people preferred to die out rather than accept completely alien forms of life. This was the case during the communist period, and these trends also manifested themselves in the nineties of the twentieth century. From this it is clear how salutary an organic national ideal is for the Russian people, which will indicate national goals, mobilize the national spirit and awaken the energy of life and struggle.
The Russian people are characterized by over-mobilization in extreme situations and demobilization in ordinary situations, which was also dictated by the need for self-preservation. The mobilization-demobilization pendulum corresponded to the unstable cycles of the harsh Eurasian continent. Periods of inaction and extraordinary patience with a long-term difficult situation could suddenly give way to either violent activity or rebellion. A Russian person has little ability to mobilize for selfish material goals, but he makes extreme efforts in the name of high ideals: preserving the Motherland and sacred values for him or fulfilling a global historical mission. Such a people can endure many ordeals and humiliations from their own power, but when mortal danger from the outside - he is invincible. Being defeated by an external enemy - as during the Tatar-Mongol invasion, or from an internal enemy - under communism, the people, having suffered great sacrifices in resistance, found the strength to self-preserve and “digest” the hostile force. Apparently adapting to it, but in essence gradually changing its nature and ultimately adapting it to its own national archetype. Therefore, Russia miraculously emerged from all the disasters stronger than it was before.
The causes of the Russian catastrophe of 1917 were primarily external, and spiritual poisons into the national body were brought from outside. At the same time, some traits of the Russian character left the people defenseless against the most insidious spirits of evil in history. Over the decades, the communist regime has poisoned the soul of the people, changing many primordial character traits for the worse, burning out virtues and strengthening vices. “The long-standing traits of the Russian character (which good ones were lost, and which vulnerable ones were developed) made us defenseless in the trials of the 20th century. And our once openness - didn’t it also turn into an easy surrender to someone else’s influence, spiritual spinelessness? It recently had such a bitter effect on the repulsion of our refugees from the republics. This insensitivity of Russians towards Russians is amazing! Rarely do any people lack national cohesion and mutual assistance as much as we do. Maybe this is just the current collapse? Or a property ingrained into us by Soviet decades? After all, for centuries we had the most friendly fraternal artels, there was a vibrant community life, maybe this can be restored? The Russian character today is all over the top. And where will it lean? We've lost our feelings one people» (A.I. Solzhenitsyn).
It is clear that the Russian people, in the struggle for self-preservation in a mortally dangerous situation, lost some of their inherent advantages and gained both positive and negative experience. But, since he is alive, he managed to preserve those properties that are the basis of his self-identification. Of course, many of them have changed, some beyond recognition. Even at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the life of the majority of Russian residents remains on the verge of unbearable. So in rural areas In central Russia, every tenth family lives at the poverty level. About sixty percent of the population is apparently poor, select answer. That is, the standard of living of seventy percent of the rural population is still unsatisfactory. You can survive in these conditions only by reducing your needs to almost zero. The traditionally ascetic Russian character in these conditions shows extreme asceticism.
In camp conditions, in order to survive, the prisoner tried to minimize his needs as much as possible and save energy whenever possible. When the life of seventy percent of the population is close to camp conditions, this is not “laziness,” but a desire for self-preservation. The vital instinct tells people that any tension in conditions when the majority of the population of a huge country is poor will most likely not produce results, but will end in breakdown. Therefore, the absolute majority of peasants are convinced that their personal well-being depends on the state of the entire country. As from time immemorial, today the conciliar feeling tells the Russian people that both prosperity and adversity can only be experienced the whole world. In this communal sense of life, the feeling of a large homeland is inseparable from the feeling of a small homeland - right down to your village, your neighbors.
Many centuries of harsh conditions have accustomed Russian people to gradual, proven changes in the forms of life, because drastic reforms are fraught with the destruction of the precarious balance of the existing way of life. And the permanent revolutions in the countryside under the communist regime and the liberal Bolsheviks of the nineties made us even more afraid of drastic changes. Those sensible business executives who want to revive rural life today are forced to rely on the ineradicable properties of the national character. In particular, one has to reckon with widespread theft, but not from a neighbor (for neighbors are the microenvironment of common survival, only they can be relied upon in difficult times), but from the state or from enriched farmers.
In the character of a modern disadvantaged rural resident one can see signs of contradictions and polarities that were formed in extremely difficult and unstable conditions of survival, contradictory changeable life circumstances, which permeate most historical periods. At the same time, in the Russian peasantry to this day the properties of the fundamental archetypes of national character are revealed: conciliarity, communalism, livability, sedateness, caution, emotionality, intuitiveness, otherworldliness or mystical pragmatism, ambivalence.
Thus, in more or less normal periods of history, these qualities were expressed in sublime and creative forms. In unbearably difficult times (with which Russian fate is filled), character traits were suppressed and reduced, but even changed beyond recognition, they remained the basis of survival. At the same time, in extreme conditions that burned out many qualities of character, the national psyche fought for survival, mobilizing the properties of its foundation - the cathedral, communal genotype - showing miracles of resistance to the most severe adversities, the properties of survival in spite of everything, the whole world sharing hardships, losses, successes and victories. But as soon as the threat to existence was overcome, the people singled out strong creative individuals, who became carriers of a new wave of passionarity, made creative breakthroughs, led the national elements, were pioneers and discoverers in various spheres of life, enterprising resourceful explorers of new forms of life. The bulk of the people, according to the laws of the pendulum of extreme survival (over-mobilization - demobilization), relaxed after mortal overexertion to the tension of everyday - not at all easy life, in conservative, protective forms, the reliability of which has been tested by many generations. For any retreat towards dubious novelty threatened to destroy the tensely unstable established structure, which inevitably added to the disaster. For these reasons, it is common for Russian people to be suspicious of “upstarts” who stray from the team. But if it turned out to be strong man, who managed to win people's trust and love through exploits, service, work or creativity, he became a generally recognized informal leader. Leaders, heroes and righteous people are inseparable in the national destiny from the workers of the Russian land.
The relationship between individualism and collectivism in our society is quite unique to this day. According to modern sociological surveys, the majority of Russian society is inclined in favor of the collective rather than the individual. The team is relatives, work colleagues, neighbors; People tend to trust their group; its opinion must be taken into account. We behave more freely towards members of an out-group, and often simply ignore them. “A manifestation of this is, for example, the shocking contrast among Europeans between the sensitivity of Russians towards their acquaintances and their unceremonious rudeness in public transport.”(A. Fenko). In the collectivist consciousness of the Russian person, the first place is occupied by the interests of his family, respect for parents, happiness and well-being of children, while professional success, independence, creativity, self-improvement and a pleasant pastime are relegated to the background. Still, despite the Westernization of recent decades, the vast majority believe that parents should help adult children (70%), children are obliged to agree with their parents on how to spend the money they earn (60%) and get their approval before getting married (63%) . But, at the same time, Russian people are not one hundred percent collectivists, because more than half believe that personal interests are the main thing for a person, and only 40% agree to limit their interests in favor of the state and society. On the one hand, despite all the trials, the archetype of the combination of individualistic and collectivist tendencies remains at its core. But the ugly way of life under communism and the liberal Bolsheviks of the nineties disfigures their manifestations: individualistic energy is squeezed out into anti-collectivist spheres of activity, and collectivist will is only enough for joint resistance to imposed alienation.
Russian people, more than other peoples, were a conformist in relation to “their” group, which, in addition to loved ones and neighbors, included representatives of sacred centers - the Church and the supreme power. In relations with everything that pressed and forced into hateful tension - with other and higher classes, with representatives of power and the views and opinions that prevailed there - Russian people have always lived to one degree or another in disagreement. The more alien the prevailing social norms were, the more deep-seated disagreement and disdain for them became apparent. But in those days when the government personified national interests, it enjoyed nationwide recognition and support. In those periods of history when the creative individualistic activity of the Russian person was completely suppressed by the authorities, it was realized in the forms eccentricities And tyranny. But the collective always treated them with love precisely because they saw in this an attempt at self-preservation of creative individualistic energy, which would awaken and organically manifest itself as soon as the conditions for this appeared, as soon as life became more or less bearable.
Despite unprecedented historical trials, the Russian national character is indestructible in its fundamentals, as long as the people live: "research last decade convincingly prove that the basic values of our people remain traditional... In the hierarchy of values of the Russian population, the leaders, of course, are those that are associated with a person’s worldview, such as “a calm conscience and spiritual harmony.” Among the outsiders were “power,” “recognition,” and “success.” Even in such extremely difficult times as recent years, among respondents there was no increase in the importance of material well-being values. The fact that the value system in Russia turned out to be very stable instills faith in our people, who, despite any liberal media that corrupts them, have for the most part retained the ability to distinguish between good and evil.”(N.Ya. Laktionova). Thus, everyone who lives in Russia must admit that the virtues of the Russian national character - the backbone of the nation - need to be improved and strengthened first of all - again the whole world.
Therefore, during periods of unrest and the collapse of the organic way of life among Russians, the number of suicides and drunkenness sharply increases.
Basic national archetypes have survived to this day, having survived the Westernism of the pre-revolutionary ruling stratum, the Westernism of Marxists, and the Westernism of modern democrats. The people basically did not accept either the communist utopia or the Westernized utopia, and today, one might say, they have not responded to the aggressive nationalist, chauvinistic ideology.
Stereotypes of Russian behavior, of course, depend on which generation someone belongs to. The younger generation and managers, better educated in Western Europe, behave differently than their fathers' generation. However, some stereotypes are transferred from generation to generation and can be considered “Russian archetypes”.
How I became Russian (series trailer)
The most important factor that still determines the behavior of a Russian person (and his attitude to housing, clothing, food, cleanliness, order, property) is long-term residence in a totalitarian state.
In particular, the psyche of the population was greatly influenced by both the post-perestroika crisis and the “shock therapy” of transformations in society in the 90s.
The rules of everyday life change often and quickly, and no one knows by what laws and no one explains anything to anyone. In Russia there is a lack of confidence, there is nothing to rely on.
An anecdote from the times after the collapse of the USSR
The state comes to the people and says: “I have two news for you: good and bad. Which one should I start with?” – “With a good one.” – “You are free!” – “And now the bad one.” – “You are free...”
National character
Basic stereotypes about the traits of Russian national character
- “the mystery of the Russian soul” - the mentality of the Russian people is mysterious mystery, which is impossible to solve
- “nationality” - patriotism, service to the fatherland, love for the homeland, loyalty to traditions
- “hope for a bright future” - the search for truth, justice, freedom, hope for an ideal state, expectation of a “just ruler”
- “Messianicism” - Russia, as an example to other nations, is ready to sacrifice itself for the sake of others (“They save others, they destroy themselves.”)
- “Fatalism” is resignation to the fact that much will happen regardless of a person’s will and desire, the belief that nothing happens by chance in life. This character trait of Russians sometimes leads to passive behavior, the habit of relying not on oneself, but on God’s will, “good uncle” (sayings: “We’ll wait and see,” “We’re used to...”; “nothing” is the most common reaction to fail)
- “sentimentality”, “openness of emotions”, “pathos” (phraseologisms: “pour out your soul” “open your soul” “have a heart-to-heart talk”)
- “polarization” – dividing the entire diversity of the world into good and evil, truth and falsehood, “us” and “strangers”
- “maximalism”, “fanaticism”, “extremism”
- attitude towards observance of rituals, traditions, customs
Opposites of the Russian national character
Russians themselves believe that Russian character consists of extremes and opposites. The guiding slogan of the Russian people is: “Either everything, or nothing.” According to Russian and foreign observers, Russia is “a country of systematic paradoxes.”
They contradict each other:
- gullibility, hope for a true ruler - and dreams of freedom
- generosity, hospitality, openness in private life - and formalism, severity, unsmiling in official communication
- great culture (literature, music, theater), the development of science, the ability to achieve better results (perfection) in many areas, the presence of modern technologies - and incompleteness, the inability to see the consequences of one’s actions in advance and plan for them, half-heartedness, inability and unwillingness to complete what was started the matter is that everything is decided on the fly, most institutions operate at the limit of their capabilities (post office, city transport) (from this the resulting positive character traits are “resourcefulness”, “adaptability”, “the ability to create something out of nothing”).
- fear of superiors - and persistent non-compliance with prescribed and established rules
Foreigners' opinions about Russians
Russians are a very proud, self-confident people. But on the other hand, Russians deceive, pretend, hide in the face of problems (When German troops entered Kyiv, Stalin claimed that not a single German soldier crossed Russian borders.). When exposed as a lie, they will only shrug their shoulders.
The problem with bureaucracy is that any business takes a very long time and is complicated to process, the rules often change, and people are endlessly sent from one window to another.
Social behavior
Russian collectivism
Russians do not tolerate loneliness well; they are sociable people.
They can even start a conversation with strangers (communication on the train), they like to communicate frequently on the phone (in cities the time-based payment principle has not yet been introduced telephone conversations, and people are “hanging on the phone”).
Relationships with neighbors are still important in the lives of Russians - neighborly ties play an almost familial role.
Russians are characterized by such character traits as compassion, warmth, and pity (deafness, unfortunately for another person, is unusual for Russians).
On the other hand, many of them have adopted this way of life: to live like everyone else, to keep a low profile.
Collectivism includes love for mass holidays, company, and the tradition of hospitality. In the village there is a habit of meeting with neighbors in the same hut - “get-togethers”. Russians value the principle of “conciliarity” – the internal unity of people based on a community of spirit.
„Ruský kolektivismus se v Rusku projevuje sklony k masovosti, Občané se tlačí, vytvářejí fronty a z těch front se vyčleňují přirození vůdci, kteří buď organizují dav nebo sepisují po řadníky. To bývá na úřadech. Kdyby tam nebyla fronta, určitě by lidé odešli, že mají zavřeno. Fronta bývá jedna ústřední, pořadníků více.”
Elizabeth Roberts: Xenofobův národnostní průvodce: Rusové
However, recently, Russians have also been characterized by a desire for individualization (with the fall of the USSR, every Russian was finally left to his own devices).
Public role
Russians take on their social role more expressively, observe the rules of formal behavior, always try to preserve their “good name,” and they are characterized by constant consideration of “what other people will say or think about us.”
There is a huge difference in human behavior in the public (professional) sphere and in private life.
“Servile psychology” in relation to superiors is characteristic (one and the same person can show disdain for a person dependent on him and in a minute become slavish, obsequious in the face of the boss), a popular proverb: “You are the boss - I am a fool.” I’m the boss – you’re a fool.” Democratic principles do not always work in society in relation to the terms of holding certain positions (university rector, for example). If a person has already taken a high position, then, as a rule, he “sits” firmly in it.
Essential Values
Russians highly value: courage, strength, good social position, “good name,” reputation in the eyes of friends and neighbors, sentimental and emotional actions.
Especially Russians highly respect smart people. Cleverness, in the eyes of Russians, is not rational ability, but rather spirituality, delicacy, social responsibility, and high moral qualities.
It has long been customary to measure the level of culture by the number of books read.
Oddly enough, a smile is sometimes considered an indicator of stupidity (popular proverb: “Laughter for no reason is a sign of a fool.”).
Money is not considered a particularly great value; Russian people are convinced that wealth cannot be acquired through honest work.
Russian attitude towards...
...foreigners
Back in the 19th century, in all likelihood, there was no xenophobia in Russia. The Russians were ready to quickly come to terms with the presence of foreigners. They treated those who came without malicious intent as friendly, but those who came with malicious intent, - cruel.
In the Soviet era, other (better) restaurants and hotels were reserved for visiting foreigners; they were given first places in queues, but were not allowed into restricted areas.
Currently, everything depends on the nationality of the foreigner. Russians love Chekhov, and Serbs are also close to them. But their relations with the Poles, Ukrainians, and Germans are already a little more complicated.
Some museums have introduced double prices for foreigners (in the Hermitage, a ticket for them is 3 times more expensive than for a Russian).
...beggars
They take pity on the poor in Russia and give them money.
...children
Russians, of course, love children very much and are ready to spend their last funds on their education and improving their future.
Parents
Russians greatly respect their ancestors and old parents and surround them with care. In families, as a rule, more often than ours, several generations live together. Placing the elderly in a nursing home is considered a sin.
...authorities
The Russian archetype is characterized by fear of the state.
The state almost constantly interfered in the lives of its subjects (with violence, ideology) - the Russian person could rarely concentrate on his private life.
The embodiment of evil power, which puts pressure on the people and cynically robs them, for a Russian person is bureaucracy, a terrible and irresistible force.
An “Orthodox type of person” has emerged who is patient, passive, conservative, sometimes even indifferent, capable of surviving in the most incredible conditions, immersed in the past and absorbed in the eternal search for ideals, refraining from arbitrary interference in anything.
Related to this is the Russians’ inability to accept personal responsibility (“My house is on the edge, I don’t know anything.”)
The paradox of the attitude towards power: on the one hand, Russian people are genetically trained not to expect goodness, help, support from the authorities; at the same time, he hopes for a miracle, for a “good king,” a reformer-savior (illusions, euphoria are constantly replaced by disappointment, condemnation of the authorities).
In the history of Russia, the deification of power and charismatic leaders is repeated - an indicator of the sacredness of Russian consciousness.
Attitudes between men and women
Men
Men (already boys) should not show their weakness (sometimes rudeness helps them in this). They don't compliment women as often as they would like. When they like a woman, they will tell her about it directly, they show their love with gifts and attentiveness. (This means that it is not so difficult for women to find out whether she loves or does not love?)
„Mladý muž univerzál - nosí černé džíny, černou koženou bundu, černou koženou čepici s nápletem. Tváří se nepřístupně (žvýkačka narozdíl od cigarety není podmínkou), mluví úsečně záměrně hlubokým hlasem. Mladíci se shlukují kolem stánků u výstupu z metra, usrkávají z lahve pivo domácí výroby, kouří, pojídají buráky, plivou (i slupky slunečnicových semínek) a dokáží kolem sebe ělat slušný svinčík.”
Russian woman
A Russian woman loves to feel like the weaker sex. She is able to spend her last money on clothes and cosmetics. Previously, women had to work in male professions, they were used to taking care of everything, and immediately became adults.
„Ruská žena je často buď puťka, která se bojí překročit stín svého muže, nechá se bít manželem, tyranizovat synem a vydírat tchýní, nebo je to emancipovaná energetická bytost s v ěčně doutnající cigarettes na rtech a stejně razantním stylem za volantem i bez něj.
D.Šťáhlavský: Rusko mezi řádky
It is considered a sign of bad taste in society...
- blow your nose
- use a toothpick
- have dirty shoes
- come visit without a gift
- show your bad mood
- speak in “intricate turns of phrase” (Russians are also irritated by “empty chatter”; spatial reasoning about something that can be expressed in a nutshell)
- “throw around words” (Russians take what is said too seriously and literally; you can’t just joke).
- Russians do not understand the European manner of “not noticing” something unpleasant that does not correspond to the norms of behavior. They will actively intervene, comment, and correct the situation. (If, for example, someone is in no hurry in line and delays others, his behavior can cause noisy indignation and even a scandal.)
- When sorting out relations with Russians, it is recommended to be more careful in words and intonation - a Russian often intuitively figures out the situation and prefers to act (sometimes it even comes to rude bodily reactions and fights).
- Talking about money is uncomfortable for Russians; it is also not customary to talk about intimate relationships, or to ridicule the national traits and virtues of Russians.
- It is better not to ask your interlocutor questions about his place of birth. Due to the complex history of Russia (including forced migration of the population), very complex things may be touched upon.
- Russians value heart-to-heart conversations – this is a long, unhurried, frank conversation with a good acquaintance, with a close friend. “High topics” are preferred - for example, about the meaning of life, the future of Russia, politics, literature, theater, cinema. You can also talk about family matters.
Gestures
- flicking the throat with the index or middle finger: means “drink vodka” or “he’s drunk”
- knock index finger on the temple: “not a very smart person”
- put your hands on your heart: emphasize your sincerity in a conversation
- insert the thumb between the middle and index fingers with a clenched fist: fig (fig with butter), a vulgar gesture expressing a categorical denial
- Russians count in such a way that they bend their fingers, gradually collecting them into a fist, starting with the little finger
Life
Life is a way of life, everyday life, material and cultural development of society.
In Russia there is a strong spiritual orientation to the East, that is, a focus on spiritual life (serving a higher goal). Russians have always reproached the West for being extremely consumer-oriented (money, things, personal success).
Therefore, Russians are often observed to be indifferent to money and, in general, to the material side of life, and lack of concern for the comfort of life; on the contrary, they attach importance to values such as education, literature and culture, and respect in society.
The unpredictability and severity of Russian nature and climate and many historical cataclysms made it difficult to develop European pragmatism, the ability to organize time and save space.
„Bolševismus naučil lidi skromnosti, nenáročnosti, ale také rozmařilosti a plýtvání. Naučil je žít s pocitem, že to dnes může být naposledy.”
D. Šťáhlavský: Rusko mezi řádky
Housing
Recently, in many large cities of Russia there has appeared huge amount improved housing, comfortable apartments, but still, only very wealthy people can afford new housing. For Russians it represents “ housing issue“still a huge problem. There are still families where several generations live together in one apartment.
Most residential buildings in Russia are huge, multi-story, with multiple entrances. Typical for them are windows protected by bars, heavy armored doors in entrances and apartments, dirt in entrances, on stairs and in elevators.
People have not learned to take care of the house and its surroundings as if they were their own.
Unlike other nationalities, it is not customary for Russians to show guests their home or apartment.
The fashion of wealthy people is to build comfortable country houses, mansions, the so-called. "cottages".
During Soviet times (especially Stalin's), many people had to live in communal apartments, that is, in apartments that are state property, in which several families (not related family relationships people belonging to different social strata). Life in communal apartments has actually crippled the mental health and interpersonal relationships of one generation of Russians.
Cleanliness is a mess
Everywhere in Russia there are many uncleaned places, abandoned wastelands. The strange smell of Russia consists of gasoline, buckwheat and vodka. However, Russians carefully wash their hands, clean their shoes, and wear perfume.
In the toilets you can see the inscription “Big request!” Don't throw paper in the toilet!“.
Some toilets are missing the door or the top of the walls. In restaurants they often do not differentiate between men's and women's.
Drunkenness
Russians have a very frivolous attitude towards their health, including an addiction to alcohol.
Russians usually tolerate alcohol well, they can drink a lot of vodka and remain “sane,” but they quickly become dependent on alcohol.
The causes of alcoholism are harsh climate, difficult living conditions (for centuries Russians have been looking for oblivion of problems in a glass).
The Russian authorities continue to fight alcoholism. Since 2014, drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited. You can drink at home, in a cafe or in a restaurant.
Rituals
Bath
The bathhouse has been known in Rus' since the 10th century. In the village, this is a separate log hut next to the house. It consists of a dressing room and a steam room. There is a stove in the steam room. When it is drowned, the stones become hot. In order for the bathhouse to be filled with hot steam, the stones are watered with hot water. In the bathhouse they pat themselves with a birch or oak broom.
The role of the bathhouse in the life of a Russian person, its functions: cleansing the body, strengthening physical health, treating runny nose, colds, aches, reset excess weight, prevention, pleasure, relaxation. (The bathhouse “clears the mind and dries the tears.”)
The public function of the bathhouse is making acquaintances, making friendships, a place for negotiations and establishing trade connections.
- Bath day: Saturday
- to those leaving the bathhouse they say: Enjoy your steam!
Family rituals
Wedding
A traditional Russian wedding lasted several days and was preceded by matchmaking and wedding. The wedding was like a theatrical play (theft and ransom of the bride) with sad and funny moments. Most often, a wedding was held between Christmas and Lent to have fun and survive the long winter; there was less work during this period.
In a modern wedding, everything depends on money. The groom must “break through” to the bride by performing various tasks (for example, he must write out the bride’s name in banknotes).
There is also a custom of covering apples with paper money of the same color - the apple turns out to be green, red... A big and rich wedding is a matter of honor.
Funeral
Funerals are traditionally held on the third day after the person's death. The believers are buried in the church. Throughout the year, a wake is held, a ceremony in memory of a deceased relative, conducted by members of his family - 3, 9 and 40 days after death.
The funeral ritual includes home prayers, a visit to the temple and the grave of the deceased, and lunch at which vodka, pancakes, kutya (sweet porridge made from millet or rice with raisins) and a funeral dish - white jelly - are served.
Russians come to the graves of their relatives on Easter; In this case, a glass of vodka, covered with a slice of bread, or other treats are usually left on the grave.
Previously, the ritual of mourning was widespread in Russia. Good professional mourners who sobbed at the grave were highly valued.
Expression of condolences: Please accept my deepest condolences. We share your deep grief.
Housewarming
Moving to a new apartment or new home- an important event for the family, has long been accompanied by rituals (in modern times a feast is obligatory).
IN THE MASS MEDIA (OK, IN THE FOREIGN MEDIA HOSTILE TO US, BUT IN THE RUSSIAN!) THERE ARE INCREASING FICTIONS ABOUT THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE - SAYING THAT THEY ARE LAZY, UNTID IN EVERYTHING, PRODICED TO DRUNKENNESS, THEFT, AND MORE MANY THINGS THAT ARE BAD, AND EVEN HARMFUL FOR OTHER PEOPLES. AND THE MAIN THING OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES IS THAT THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE DOESN’T “FIT” INTO WESTERN CULTURE, AND TODAY IS JUST LIKE IN THE OLD TIMES, WILD...
BUT IN CHINA THEY WRITE ABSTRACTS ABOUT... THE POSITIVE FEATURES OF RUSSIAN PEOPLE, ABOUT THEIR UNIQUENESS. HERE IS ONE OF SUCH ABSTRACTS:
TYPICAL FEATURES OF THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL CHARACTER AND THEIR REFLECTION IN RUSSIAN PROVERBS AND SAYINGS
Song Yanwei, Dalian Polytechnic University (China)
National character is a set of the most significant defining features of an ethnic group and a nation, by which it is possible to distinguish representatives of one nation from another. IN Chinese proverb It is said: “As is the land and the river, such is the character of man.” Each nation has its own special character. Much has been said and written about the secrets of the Russian soul, about the Russian national character. And this is no coincidence, because Russia, having long history, experiencing a lot of suffering, changes, occupying a special geographical location, having absorbed the features of both Western and Eastern civilizations, has the right to be the object of close attention and targeted study. Especially today, at the turn of the third millennium, when, in connection with the profound changes that have occurred in Russia, interest in it is increasingly increasing. The character of the people and the fate of the country are closely interconnected and influence each other throughout the entire historical path, so there is a noticeable increased interest in the national character of the Russian people. As the Russian proverb says: “When you sow character, you reap destiny.”
National character is reflected both in fiction, philosophy, journalism, art, and in language. For language is a mirror of culture, it reflects not only the real world surrounding a person, not only the real conditions of his life, but also the social consciousness of the people, their mentality, national character, way of life, traditions, customs, morality, value system, attitude, vision of the world. Therefore, a language must be studied in inextricable unity with the world and culture of the people speaking the given language. Proverbs and sayings are a reflection folk wisdom, they contain the people’s idea of themselves and therefore the secrets of the Russian national character can be tried to be comprehended through Russian proverbs and sayings.
HARDWORK, GIFTEDNESS
Russian people are gifted and hardworking. He has many talents and abilities in almost all areas public life. He is characterized by observation, theoretical and practical intelligence, natural ingenuity, ingenuity, and creativity. The Russian people are great workers, creators and creators, and have enriched the world with great cultural achievements. It is difficult to list even a small part of what has become the property of Russia itself. This trait is reflected in Russian proverbs and sayings: “Happiness and work live side by side”, “Without work you can’t pull a fish out of the pond”, “Patience and work will grind everything down”, “God loves work”. The Russian people value work very much: “Gold is learned in fire, and man in work,” “Talent without work is not worth a penny.” Russian folklore also speaks about the existence of workaholics: “The day is boring until the evening, if there is nothing to do,” “Living without work is just smoking the sky,” “It’s not the concern that there is a lot of work, but the concern that there is none.” Working people are not envious: “Don’t blame your neighbor when you sleep until lunchtime.”
Proverbs condemn the lazy: “It’s a long time to sleep, but it’s a long time to get up,” “He who gets up late doesn’t have enough bread.” And at the same time they praise the hardworking: “He who gets up early, God gives him.”
Only honest earnings were valued by the people: “Easy to get, easy to live,” “A free ruble is cheap, an acquired ruble is expensive.” And in the upbringing of young people, preference was given to work: “Teach not by idleness, but teach by handicraft.”
LOVING FREEDOM
Love of freedom is one of the main, deep-seated properties of the Russian people. The history of Russia is the history of the struggle of the Russian people for their freedom and independence. For the Russian people, freedom is above all.
The word “will” is closer to the Russian heart, understood as independence, freedom in the manifestation of feelings and in performing actions, and not freedom as a conscious necessity, that is, as the possibility of a person expressing his will on the basis of awareness of the law. For example, the proverbs: “Even though the lot is hard, everyone has their own will”, “One’s own will is dearer than anything else”, “Freedom is dearer than everything else”, “The will of a bird is dearer than a golden cage” - speak of the desire for love of freedom.
WILLPOWER, COURAGE AND COURAGE
Possessing a freedom-loving character, the Russian people repeatedly defeated the invaders and achieved great success in peaceful construction. Proverbs reflect the traits of Russian warriors: “ Better death in battle than shame in the ranks”, “Either a colonel or a dead man.” These same traits also manifest themselves in the lives of peaceful people. “He who does not take risks does not drink champagne” - that the Russian people love to take risks. “Either it’s hit or miss” - about the determination to do something, to take risks, despite possible failure, death. The proverbs are similar in meaning: “Either your chest is in the crosses, or your head is in the bushes,” “Either your foot is in the stirrup, or your head is in the stump,” “Either you eat a fish or run aground.”
The proverb “If you are afraid of wolves, do not go into the forest” says that there is no point in getting down to business if you are afraid of the difficulties ahead. And luck always accompanies the brave: “Luck is the companion of the brave”, “He who dares eats.”
Characteristics Russian people are kindness, humanity, a penchant for repentance, cordiality and spiritual gentleness. Many proverbs and sayings illustrate these traits: “God helps the good,” “It’s good to live with the good,” “Hasten to do good,” “A good deed does not melt in water,” “Life is given for good deeds,” “A good age will not be forgotten.” “, “It’s hard for those who remember evil.” Fate treats a good person fairly: “For the wicked there is death, and for the good there is resurrection.” However, proverbs condemn someone who is too meek: “Only a lazy person doesn’t beat him,” “He even beats a meek dog.”
PATIENCE AND RESISTANCE
This is perhaps one of the most characteristic features of the Russian people, which has become literally legendary. Russians seem to have limitless patience, amazing ability endure difficulties, hardships and suffering. In Russian culture, patience and the ability to endure suffering are the ability to exist, the ability to respond to external circumstances, this is the basis of personality.
It is not difficult to find a reflection of this trait in Russian proverbs and sayings: “Patience is better than salvation,” “Patience will give skill,” “There is patience for what you want,” “Live forever, hope forever.”
The Russian people are patient and enduring, stubborn and persistent, not discouraged by failures and believing in their own strength. Proverbs say about this: “Endure grief, drink honey”, “Endure an hour, but live a century”, “By enduring, they become people”, “Live as slaves, maybe you will become a master”, “God will give the day, He will give food."
HOSPITALITY,
GENEROSITY AND BREADNESS OF NATURE
Russian hospitality is well known: “Even though you are not rich, you are happy to see your guests.” The best treat is always ready for the guest: “If there is something in the oven, it’s all swords on the table!”, “Don’t feel sorry for the guest, but pour it thicker.”
Russian people greet a guest on the threshold of their home. The custom of presenting guests with bread and salt comes from time immemorial and is still preserved in Russia. Bread and salt is at the same time a greeting, an expression of cordiality, and a wish for good and prosperity to the guest: “Eat bread and salt, and listen to good people.” Without bread there is no life, there is no true Russian table. Russian proverbs speak about this: “Bread is the head of everything”, “Bread is on the table, so the table is the throne”, “It’s a bad lunch if there is no bread”, “Bread is a gift from God, father, breadwinner”, “Not a piece of bread, so and in the mansion there is melancholy, and there is no bread, so there is paradise under the fir tree.” And salt, as you know, plays an important role in human life: “Without salt, without bread, bad conversation,” “Without bread, death, without salt, laughter.”
RESPONSIBILITY
A distinctive feature of the Russian people is their responsiveness, the ability to understand another person, a sensitive attitude to someone else’s state of mind, the ability to integrate with the culture of other peoples and respect it. Amazing ethnic tolerance, as well as an exceptional ability to empathize, the ability to understand and accept other peoples allowed the Russian nation to create an empire unprecedented in history. And this trait is reflected in folk proverbs and sayings: “Whoever remembers us, we will remember him,” “They pay for good with good.” According to Vl. Solovyov, “the true unity of peoples is not homogeneity, but nationality, i.e. interaction and solidarity of all of them for an independent and full life for everyone.” Such properties of the Russian person as humanism, goodwill towards other peoples, hospitality, self-sacrifice, altruism give rise to socially deeper properties such as internationalism, mutual respect of people, their national customs, culture.
Russians pay special attention to their attitude towards their neighbors: “It’s a bad thing to offend a neighbor”, “To live among neighbors is to be in conversations”, “A close neighbor is better than distant relatives”, “Between the borders and the borders there are quarrels and abuse.”
Analyzing Russian folklore, we came to the conclusion that a proverb is not just a saying. It expresses the opinion of the people. It contains the people's assessment of life, observations of the people's mind. Not every saying became a proverb, but only one that was consistent with the lifestyle and thoughts of many people. Such sayings have existed for millennia, passing from century to century. Proverbs are rightly considered bundles of folk wisdom, i.e. the same folk experience that is stored in the language and passed on from generation to generation. Analysis of Russian national character based on proverbs is a new approach to the study of this issue.
Literature:
1. Vyunov Yu.A. “A Word about Russians.” M., 2002.
2. Vorobiev V.V. “Linguocultural paradigm of personality.” M.1996.
3. Dal V.I. “Proverbs of the Russian people.” M., 2000.
4. Soloviev V.M. “Secrets of the Russian soul.” M., 2001
5. Vereshchagin E.M. Kostomarov V.G. “Language and Culture.” M, 1990.
6. Ter-Minasova S.G. "Languages intercultural communication" M., 2000.
For many centuries, foreign guests and merchants, visiting first Rus' and then - tried to understand the secret of the mysterious Russian soul. Russian Empire. Worldwide famous classics Russian literature They also did not remain aloof from solving the riddle of the Russian mentality - in their works they tried to describe Russian men and women and reveal as fully as possible the facets of their character and the peculiarities of their worldview. But still, even now, to most foreigners, Russians seem mysterious and largely incomprehensible, and Russians themselves can unmistakably distinguish their compatriots among a crowd of foreigners in another country. But what is the peculiarity of the mentality and psychology of Russians that makes them so different from representatives of other nations?
National characteristics of Russians
The national character traits of Russians have been formed over the centuries, and the foundation of the unique mentality of the nation began to be laid back in the Middle Ages, when most Russians lived in villages and ran collective farms. It was from those centuries that for Russians the opinion of society and their own position in the team began to mean a lot. Also at that time, such a national trait of Russians as and adherence to patriarchal traditions - the survival and well-being of the entire village, volost, etc. largely depended on the cohesion of the team and the presence of a strong leader.
These features are inherent in the psychology of Russians even now - the majority of the nation’s representatives are confident that the country needs a strong leader, do not consider themselves to have the right to openly criticize and challenge the decisions of their superiors, and are ready to support the government in any case. In relation to the role of each individual in society, the Russian mentality, like the geographical position of Russia, is between the “West” and the “East”: it is difficult for representatives of this nation to accept the Western European model of society, in which the individuality of each individual person is considered an absolute value, but also to such The Russians do not have a privileged role of the collective over the individual, as is typical of the Chinese. We can say that the Russians were able to find a “golden mean” between collectivism and individualism - they give great value public opinion and their role in the team, but at the same time they know how to appreciate the individuality and uniqueness of each person’s personality.
One more national peculiarity The character of Russians, which distinguishes it from the mentality of other nations, is considered to be the “breadth” of the soul of the Russian person. Of course, the soul cannot be broad in the literal sense of the word, and this expression means that Russian people have the following features character:
Psychology of Russians in personal life and in everyday life
Most Russian people believe that the spiritual is more important than the material, so they do not set the goal of their life to earn millions, but choose other priorities - family, self-development, etc. Many Representatives of this people tend to have a “easy” attitude towards money
- a Russian person will not be too depressed during the holidays, and will often prefer to spend money on something pleasant for themselves rather than saving up for the future.
However, despite this attitude towards finance, Russians love luxury and pretentiousness, so they do not spare money on expensive home renovations, fashionable gadgets and status items. In Russian houses, in addition to furniture and household appliances, there are a lot of interior decorations - various souvenirs, figurines and other cute trinkets. It is also not uncommon for some unnecessary things to lie in the closet of an apartment or house for years - Russian people, since the existence of the USSR, have not yet completely gotten rid of the habit of keeping in reserve everything that could theoretically be useful in the future.
IN love relationships Russian men are gallant, romantic, generous and courteous and always strive to surround their lady with maximum care. Russian women are able to completely dissolve in a loved one, they are ready to make sacrifices for the sake of love and are confident that “there is heaven in the hut with your sweetheart.” In most Russian families, husband and wife have equal relations, but still caring for children and household chores are considered predominantly women's work, and earning money for the whole family is considered men's.
For a Russian person, the concept of hard work is far from alien, as a result of which we can talk about a certain talent of the nation. Russia has given the world many talents from various fields: science, culture, art. The Russian people have enriched the world with various great cultural achievements.
Love of freedom
Many scientists note the special love of Russian people for freedom. The history of Russia itself has preserved a lot of evidence of the struggle of the Russian people for their independence.
Religiosity
Religiosity is one of the deepest features of the Russian people. It is no coincidence that ethnologists say that a corrective feature of the national self-awareness of the Russian person is. Russia is the main recipient of the Orthodox culture of Byzantium. There is even a certain concept “Moscow is the third Rome”, reflecting the continuity Christian culture Byzantine Empire.
Kindness
One of the positive traits of a Russian person is kindness, which can be expressed in humanity, cordiality and spiritual gentleness. In Russian folklore there are many sayings that reflect these traits of national character. For example: “God helps the good,” “Life is given for good deeds,” “Don’t rush to do good.”
Patience and Fortitude
Russian people have great patience and the ability to overcome various difficulties. This conclusion can be made by looking at historical path Russia. The ability to endure suffering is a unique ability to exist. You can see the resilience of a Russian person in his ability to respond to external circumstances.
Hospitality and generosity
Entire parables and legends have been written about these characteristic features of the Russian national character. It is no coincidence that in Russia the custom of presenting bread and salt to guests is still preserved. This tradition demonstrates the cordiality of the Russian people, as well as the wish for good and prosperity to one’s neighbor.