“Russia is a country with the friendliest people!” This is what they often say about you and me. But let's go outside and look around. Something doesn't look like it, right?
Russians are truly an unusual nation. It seems that only here can absolute indifference coexist with noble responsiveness, and generosity and hospitality with stone faces a la “what are you staring at?”
Psychologists all over the world have been wondering for decades why we Russians are so strange. They immediately remember serfdom, autocratic tsarist power, famine and other sufferings, which, in their opinion, never existed in Europe. Well, you know, after all, everything there, by definition, has been good and beautiful from time immemorial. This is what we think, this is how Europeans themselves try to maintain their image.
American psychologist Nicholas Bright wrote: “The Russians have experienced a lot in the course of their history. But, thanks to the idea of collective empathy, they were able not only to preserve the unity of the national spirit, but also to multiply it, to create an absolute egregor of sincerity, which often borders on the absurd.” Sounds good, although a little alarming, right? Let's remember the main features of the Russian mentality.
We can easily be called rude. Yes, that’s what it is. It costs us nothing to argue and argue with our superiors, without even thinking about the consequences. We will gladly send away the person who accidentally stepped on our foot. In our linguistic arsenal there will always be sarcastic rhymes for any word, and the floweriness and variety of non-literary Russian is simply amazing. It is normal for us to hear rudeness in response to the most innocent request. It’s not very common for us to look into each other’s eyes, just smile or say “hello/thank you” in the store.
At the same time, Russians, as scientists say, live by the “principle of conciliarity.” Simply put, we are always together and stick with each other. It would seem that we don’t care at all about other people’s opinions. But at the same time, we celebrate all holidays, gathering 20 people, and for any reason, be it Plumber’s Day or Easter, we call all our relatives. We are always up to date personal life the neighbors from the fifth floor, the saleswoman from the store around the corner, the janitor and anyone in general. Foreigners simply cannot understand our habit of having hours-long kitchen conversations or telling our story to a random fellow traveler on the bus.
What are we really like in this national dualism? Sincere. We simply do not hide any feelings and emotions. If we are having fun, then to the fullest, if we are angry, then so that the earth trembles and the whole neighborhood hears. We do not hesitate to be lazy and blame the state, God and magnetic storms for all problems. As children, we are not ready to take responsibility and decide something. Instead, we firmly believe that the kid next door has better toys. We are so sincere that we do not want to support advertising patriotism and believe social advertising. We have been talking for years about how bad it is to live in Russia, but we will stand up for our Motherland if even some foreigner speaks badly about it. By the way, about foreigners.
Thinking about the paradoxes of Russian goodwill, I wanted to directly ask residents of other countries how they see us - to look at Russia through the eyes of foreigners? Oddly enough, not as gloomy and harsh as it might seem. For example, a friend of mine, a forty-year-old English rocker, said that we are funny and know how to joke and have fun. But several Americans argued that Russians are very smart, much smarter than many other nations. Travelers, eager to learn about the peculiarities of the Russian mentality and to get to know the mysterious Russian soul, all say that you won’t be left alone in Russia: they will not only show you the way, but also guide you, chat, invite you to visit, gather a whole company and throw a feast in your honor.
Once I had the opportunity to meet a Frenchman who was hitchhiking all the way to Vladivostok, stopping briefly in major cities he really wanted to look at our country from the inside. To a banal question: “And how is it?”, he replied: “It turned out that everything that they write about you on the Internet is not true! It’s a pity, I really wanted to see bears and these hats. Seriously, when I arrived in another city, I didn’t have any plan or ready-made route, what to do and where to go. The people who were ready to shelter me and show me the place where they live were there on their own. Having visited a dozen cities, I realized that I didn’t understand anything. Now I know only one thing: Russia is a cool country!”
So, it turns out that we are not such beeches, right? Yes, we really don't smile too often. By the way, some foreigners also note this. Everything is correct, this happens again because we are too sincere: why, in fact, smile if you don’t want to? If I want to, I’ll definitely smile. At the same time, a European puts on his best smile in the morning and seems to be able to keep a happy face even if a comet falls from the sky. Since childhood, he has memorized phrases like “thank you/okay/sorry.” We do not wear the masks of decency, benevolent politeness and courtesy accepted in “civilized countries.” But does this mean that we are not responsive and friendly?
It is precisely thanks to the same principles of conciliarity and former socialism (which, in essence, has been characteristic of the Russian people from time immemorial) that we have exceptional attention to our neighbors. It does not manifest itself outwardly, because Russian people also have one more trait: we look for a catch in everything. We are such honest people that we immediately begin to suspect something is wrong if the person next to us behaves “not in the truth.” Too much help clearly expects something in return; constantly smiles, sucks up or wants to set him up; The hypocrite agrees on everything! It’s also the case with goodness that we show it only when we really want to, and we help either out of great desire or out of extreme inevitability. Otherwise, in our subconscious, the act of automatic goodness is associated with inanimate stereotypes. But if someone on the street suddenly becomes ill, he will not be left alone; there will certainly be those who will help.
When I was studying at primary school, I was constantly losing change for travel. My conscience (read “cowardice”) did not allow me to ride like a hare on buses, and I openly asked the drivers to give me a ride either for free or for the penny that I had left. And, you know, I never had to walk: in half the cases they agreed to my request, or some passenger was found willing to pay for me.
But when I was 17 years old, I got stuck late one evening in the city center. Public transport no longer walks, there are 30 rubles in my pocket, the phone, according to the law of the genre, is discharged. It’s far and scary to walk on foot, there are no friends nearby, there’s nothing to ride or anything to ride on, you’re afraid to catch rides, what to do? Not agreeing with the prospect of spending the night on the street, I began to approach people with an innocent question: “Could you lend me a phone to call?” In three out of three cases I was refused. And then I realized: well, of course, they think that I want to rob them! You can’t approach our people with such a question; we even steal sincerely, looking honestly in the eyes. Then I chose a middle-aged woman and honestly explained the situation to her, adding pleading drama. It worked the first time, she helped me call a taxi. She also waited for the car with me to make sure everything was okay.
Why am I saying this? Moreover, we will never leave a person in trouble. But we strive to live in truth, and therefore we must be sure that help is really needed. This is the mentality of the Russian people. We won’t just give out change to everyone who asks left and right, but if we are convinced that the charitable ruble will go to its intended purpose, then please at least two. We can be very polite, courteous and cultured. If the mood is good. And it’s not for us to simply waste time on the rules of decency; the Russian person is too lively and real for that.
Remember the words of the American psychologist? Our sincerity does at times border on absurdity. But even though we are always dissatisfied with everything and everyone, we know how to live: swear, break dishes, start fights in queues and buses, celebrate birthdays a month earlier and celebrate a wedding with the whole yard. We know how to laugh and rejoice, help and do good. Russian people are short-sighted: they don’t like to plan anything, save money, look after their health, “invest in the future”; we live in the moment here and now. And while we are so different from the rest of the world with its culture of behavior, while we behave abroad “like barbarians” and persistently defend the rights of a carpet on the wall and a wardrobe that covers the entire wall, our national spirit, that same unique Russian soul, is preserved and multiplies. Is it worth measuring it by smiles and courtesy?
Features of the Russian soul and Russian mentality was last modified: June 11th, 2017 by Jasna
The historical development of Russia is also unique. It is due to the same factors that led to the formation of the peculiarities of Russian civilization. The features of Russian history are:
1. Frequent, mostly defensive wars (our ancestors fought for about 2/3 of their history). The lack of natural boundaries, openness, and flat nature of the area constantly attracted conquerors. The need for defense dictated the need to centralize all powers in the hands of the head of state. Most of the national income went to the army and weapons production. Accordingly, there was little money left for the development of the economy, culture, and other things.
2. The basis for Russia was the mobilization path social development. Unlike the countries of Western Europe, which developed evolutionarily, in Russia the state consciously intervened in the mechanism of existence of society to overcome stagnation, crises or to wage war, i.e. systematically resorted to violence. It could not be any other way, since only a strong Russian state could protect peoples from conquest or destruction.
3. Constant expansion of the territory. Until 1991, with rare exceptions, the territory of our country was steadily increasing. Expansion was carried out in three ways:
Colonization – i.e. development of new empty lands. Continuous colonization had a huge impact on the development of the state. The presence of a territory where one can always escape from oppression resulted in a delay in the social development of the state. The extensive path of development meant a low level of technology development and a raw materials-based economy.
Voluntary accession to Russia (Ukraine, Georgia, etc.);
As a result of forced annexation (through wars, or the threat of war - for example, the Kazan, Astrakhan khanates).
4. Discontinuity, i.e. lack of continuity. The development of Russia was often interrupted and essentially started anew (the most striking examples are 1917 and 1991). Very often, domestic rulers broke rather than continued the path of their predecessors.
Mentality - these are features of the perception of the surrounding world that are inherent in any national community and affect the specific behavior of people of this community. Since the main role in the formation of Russian civilization belonged to the Russian people, let us highlight some features of their mentality.
Features of the Russian mentality:
1. Uneven manifestation of one’s feelings, which is expressed in extraordinary passion, temperament and sharp fluctuations in national energy. Hence the uneven distribution of forces (“the Russian takes a long time to harness, but rides quickly”), and the ability to give his best at a critical moment.
2. Striving for spiritual values, not material well-being. The goal of Russian life was not wealth, but spiritual improvement. Therefore, the Russians strove to implement grandiose plans and ideal projects. The endless search for goodness, truth, and justice led to neglect of everyday living conditions and material well-being. It is worth noting the special conscientiousness of Russians.
3. Love of freedom, first of all, freedom of spirit. It is difficult to limit the Russian character by any formal rules, to force him to follow certain laws. History has confirmed many times that Russians are one of the most rebellious peoples in the world.
4. Collectivism (priority of the interests of the team over personal interests). Hence the readiness for self-sacrifice, conciliarity.
5. National resilience, i.e. patience and perseverance in enduring life's hardships and adversities.
6. Universal tolerance, i.e. global responsiveness, the ability to understand representatives of other nations, interact with them, and sacrifice the latter in the name of humanity.
Questions and tasks for self-control
1. What factors determined the uniqueness of Russian civilization, national history, and the mentality of the Russian people?
2. What place does Russia occupy in the world?
3. What are the features of Russian civilization?
4. Describe the features of Russian history.
5. What is mentality?
additional literature
1. Kozhinov, V.V. Victories and troubles of Russia / V.V. Kozhinov. – M.: “Algorithm”, 2000. – 448 p.
2. Milov, L.V. Natural-climatic factor and mentality of the Russian peasantry / L.V. Milov // Social Sciences and modernity. – 1995. – No. 1.
3. Russia as civilization and culture // Kozhinov, V.V. Russia as civilization and culture / V.V. Kozhinov. – M.: Institute of Russian Civilization, 2012. – P. 209–319.
4. Russia as a civilization // Kara-Murza, S.G. Crisis social science. Part one. Course of lectures / S.G. Kara-Murza. – M.: Scientific Expert, 2011. – P. 290–326.
5. Panarin, A.S. Orthodox civilization / A.S. Panarin. – M.: Institute of Russian Civilization, 2014. – 1248 p.
6. Trofimov, V.K. The mentality of the Russian nation: textbook. allowance / V.K. Trofimov. – Izhevsk: Publishing house IzhGSHA, 2004. – 271 p.
7. Trofimov, V.K. The soul of Russia: origins, essence and sociocultural significance of the Russian mentality: monograph / V.K. Trofimov. – Izhevsk: Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, 2010. – 408 p.
Russian mentality cannot be mechanically identified with the Russian people. There are many carriers of the Russian mentality among representatives of other nations. And the perception of the Russian character, as studies show, is practically not connected either with the type of civil self-identification, or with ideas about the desired model of the national-state structure, or with the choice of one or another definition of the concept “Russian”.
Mentality-forming constants are formed under the influence of three reasons:
1) geographical factors - characteristics of the territory: its size, climate, landscape, soil type, mineral wealth, animal and flora and others, collectively referred to below as nature;
2) genetic factors - features of the genetic mechanism of inheritance of psychophysiological traits typical of the population, acquired under the influence of nature in the process of natural selection;
3) social factors- objective features of the history of the emergence and existence of a people.
According With these three reasons, mentality-forming constants can be divided into three types: nature-formed, gene-formed and socially formed.
Towards Russian mentality-forming constants of natural origin (meaning historical Russia in the current framework) include the following: the enormous size of the territory; the middle geographical location of Russia between East and West; colossal natural resources; the harsh climate of the main part of the territory with long winters and short summers; low-fertility soils of most of the territory (about 70% of the territory of Russia is in the permafrost zone). Natural mentality-forming constants played a primary role in the formation of the Russian mentality, as they contributed to the emergence of gene-formed and socially formed constants.
Russian mentality-forming constant genetic origin is high heterozygosity (diversity of variants of the same genes in the chromosomes), richness of the gene pool and genotypes. High heterozygosity of the population arose as a consequence of the multinationality of Russia (about 150 peoples and nationalities) and the absence of prohibitions on interethnic marriages. In turn, the multinationality of Russia was a consequence of reasons of a geographical and historical nature (the diversity of natural conditions in different parts of the vast territory, giving rise to national identity the indigenous peoples living in these parts; inclusion of these units into Russia in different periods her history).
The Russian mentality-forming constant of socio-historical origin is the centuries-old existence of the Russian people under conditions of centralized power and patronage of the state, personified in the form of a leader (prince, boyar, tsar, General Secretary, etc.). And again, centralized power and state patronage in relation to the population appeared as a consequence of the central geographical position of the Russian state, the protection of which from threats from both the East and the West required strong power. The government organized the protection of the population, the population supported the government. This mutual support strengthened as Russia's territory expanded.
All of the listed mentality-forming constants were formed, of course, not simultaneously, but gradually, in the process of the historical formation of the Russian state, accompanied by the formation of special features of both the Russian mentality and Russian civilization. In general, we can consider the emergence of the Russian mentality, state and civilization not an accident, but an objective pattern determined by the laws of nature.
The features of the Russian mentality, formed under the influence of natural mentality-forming constants, include the following.
1. Sustainability nervous system , ability to overcome difficulties, perseverance, patience. The mentality of the population is largely determined by the composition of the products they eat. In turn, the composition of products depends on the set of agricultural crops growing in the area where the population lives and giving a good harvest. For this reason, in conditions of infertile soils, harsh climates and short summer Central Russia is characterized by the cultivation of durum varieties of rye, from which black rye bread is baked. Black bread for a long time formed the basis of nutrition for the Russian people. This unique food product is rich in B vitamins, which have a positive effect on the formation of a stable nervous system of the population. Therefore, black rye bread, as a national Russian product, can be considered a nature-forming factor in the formation of such traits of the Russian mentality as perseverance and patience. History has shown the ability of Russian people to overcome a variety of difficulties due to these character traits.
2. Balance of temperament. The climate in which they live has a great influence on the mentality of the population. A harsh climate requires an economical expenditure of energy for survival, and, conversely, a comfortable climate relaxes people, facilitating the spontaneous release of their internal energy. Native northerners are more reserved, cold-blooded, focused, and self-contained than southerners. This determines the balanced, calm temperament characteristic of Russian people.
3. The ability to mobilize internal forces. The influence of climate in the form of centuries-long alternation of relatively long winters and short summers with high percentage rural population in Russia required a “pulse” regime of the body’s energy expenditure - intensive expenditure in the summer on agricultural work and low expenditure in the winter. This impulse mode contributed to the formation of such a character trait as the ability to mobilize internal forces for a certain period of time. However, given the transition over several generations of the majority of the population from a rural to an urban lifestyle, this feature national mentality may be gradually lost.
4. Peacefulness, hospitality and good nature. Obviously, the mentality of the crowded population of small countries and the sparse population living in the vastness of large countries is different. Large countries like Russia have never had the problem of expanding living space, they have had the problem of preserving it. Special geographical position Russia, occupying the space between the West and the East, forced it into different time conduct mainly defensive wars against Western and Eastern aggressors. Russians have always been peace-loving (we don’t need someone else’s, we have plenty of our own!). From here follows the well-known hospitality, hospitality and good nature of the Russian people, tolerance towards other peoples (we have nothing to envy!)
5. Breadth of nature. The large size of the territory of Russia, endless forests and numerous rivers and lakes, rich in animals and fish, berries and mushrooms, created in the Russian people the idea of the inexhaustibility of natural resources and the boundlessness of living space, gave rise in the psychology of the Russian population to a feeling of the greatness of a huge country, the boundlessness of its size and the diversity of its capabilities and, as a consequence, the breadth of nature.
The genetically determined features of the Russian mentality include the following:
1. Talent. Diversity of genetic composition of hereditary biological structures ( chromosomes) gives rise to a very wide range of physical, psychological and intellectual characteristics of individual people. Combined with the large population, this genetic property predetermines a high probability of the emergence of unusual, phenomenal types of people with original genotypes. It is among such people that talents and geniuses are most often found - people with outstanding or unique abilities for a certain type of activity. The peculiar combinations of gene variants in these genotypes explain the talent of the Russian people.
2. High adaptability. High heterozygosity determines the presence in every Russian person of a wide range of behavioral reactions. This results in a high adaptive capacity, the adaptability of the Russian population to changing living conditions. This same high adaptability can explain such features of the Russian mentality as unpretentiousness and tolerance to living conditions, since at an unconscious level there is a genetic mechanism for adapting to them.
3. Russian ingenuity represents one of the ways to realize high adaptability when you need to find an original way out of a difficult situation. Ingenuity is an intellectual means of survival, of overcoming difficulties regardless of their content.
The considered genetic traits of the Russian mentality are inherited genetically. In contrast to them, the socially formed features of the Russian mentality considered below are inherited not genetically, but through the mechanism historical memory, including folk traditions, folklore, literature, art of all kinds and in general everything that is commonly called culture.
The socio-formed features of the Russian mentality are determined by the interaction of its gene- and nature-formed features with social conditions life for quite a long time historical period spanning many generations (hundreds of years). Only a nation with a centuries-old history, such as the Russian one, can have socially educated traits.
The sociocultural features of the Russian mentality include the following:
1. Collectivism and conciliarity, developed by centuries of life in a rural community. The community did not appear suddenly, but as a historically formed necessity of existence, as a reaction to low soil fertility, low agricultural yields and harsh climatic conditions, in which it was easier to survive in a community and using mutual assistance than alone. Russian history has shown that its course is not determined by socio-economic theories of change social formations, but the habit of the Russian population to a certain way of life, especially the habit of the rural population to life in the community. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the stability of socially-formed mentality traits is lower than genetic and nature-formed ones, therefore urbanization and the rapid reduction of the rural population in Russia may in the near future lead to the degradation of the mentioned collectivist tradition and the undermining of one of the main foundations of Russian civilization.
2. A heightened sense of injustice among the Russian people social inequality that infringes on the interests of the poor. This trait can be seen as a manifestation of collectivism. Hence the ancient feeling of social compassion for people who are spiritually and physically damaged: the poor, holy fools, cripples, etc., and the egalitarian tendencies in the Russian understanding of social justice.
3. Religiosity of the Russian people, brought up by the church and the authorities for almost a thousand years. Religion in Russia has always gone hand in hand with secular power. The Tsar was considered the representative of God's power on earth and Russian national idea for several centuries it was expressed in the formula “God, Tsar and Fatherland.” The specific form of Russian religiosity was Orthodoxy, introduced into Rus' again by the secular authorities in the person of Prince Vladimir. Social essence Orthodoxy, based on the concepts of social justice, goodness, the primacy of the spirit over the flesh, embodied in the church biographies of Orthodox saints, as well as the forms of Orthodox religious rites - fasting, religious festivals, etc. turned out to be most consistent with the historical conditions of existence, the way of life and the Russian mentality generated by them people. This correspondence explains the stability Orthodox faith in the Russian people.
4. Cult of the leader. Deep religiosity, understood as hope for a deliverer from life’s hardships, contributed to the formation of such a socially educated Russian trait as the cult of the leader. All Russian history passed under the sign of first the power of the prince, then the king, and in Soviet period under the banner of the cult of personality of the leader communist party. In all cases, it was the sole power of the leader (prince, king, general secretary) and the people blindly relied on him. It can be noted that the cult of the leader is also promoted by collectivism, one of the manifestations of which is the subconscious subordination of the individual to the collective, and in his person to the one who expresses collective interests, that is, the leader, personifying the collective in mass consciousness. Hence the currently observed lack of initiative of the main part of the population, political infantilism, inability to politically self-organize, and reluctance to take responsibility for socially significant actions.
5. National and religious tolerance. Almost one and a half hundred people have lived peacefully on Russian territory for many centuries. different nations. In Russia there has never been racial hostility, religious wars, or bans on interethnic marriages. The country, with few exceptions, has historically been formed as a voluntary multinational association. This could not but give rise to such a socially formed Russian trait as national and religious tolerance.
6. Finally, one cannot help but say about Russian patriotism. Patriotism exists in any country, but the basis of patriotism is different countries different. Russian patriotism is patriotism based on the people's awareness of their community. The rise of the Russian patriotic spirit always arose during the years difficult trials not for individual people, classes or groups of the population, but for the entire people, when they began to become acutely aware of themselves as a historical community that was in great danger - enslavement or destruction. These were precisely the tasks set by its enemies in the wars against Russian civilization.
In such years, this community was determined not only by the threat of personal loss of family, housing, property, but also by the threat of a general loss of the Fatherland: the traditional way of life, the opportunity to be proud of the past and believe in one or another social idea, that is, everything that is commonly called the self-identification of the people . The people rose to defend the Fatherland as a civilization. The idea of individualism, now being introduced under the banner of individual freedom and human rights into the Russian national consciousness, is deeply anti-patriotic, because the Russian people have never had individualism public value, as, for example, among Western European peoples, and he will not defend it in case of national danger.
Despite not all the virtues of the Russian people, listed above, the peoples of Russia are also endowed with a number of vices. The main ones are: passivity; drunkenness and rapidly developing Lately drug addiction; theft, which has become truly widespread.
However, sociological research shows that the basic features of the mentality of Russians are still the predominance of moral components. And, above all, a sense of responsibility and conscience, as well as a special understanding of the relationship between the individual and society.
Important features the mental life of a Russian person is the ability to feel and think in different, sometimes mutually exclusive ways; combine the impulse for boundless freedom with patience.
Mentality acts spontaneously, without realizing it, manifesting itself in a set of principles and habits reflected in character traits. Thus, the structure of mentality is a complex multi-level pyramid of mechanisms and methods of action directly related to the centuries-old culture of the people. At the same time, the peculiarities of the mentality of the people serve as the basis for the formation of ideology and national ideas.
The Russian mentality was formed under the influence of the richness of natural landscapes and sharply contrasting climates. Prolonged cold and frosts, lasting almost six months, are replaced by lush flowering of plants and sultry heat. Historian Valery Ilyin believes that in this powerful amplitude of fluctuations in weather conditions during one season - the secret of the Russian character pendulum: decline is replaced by an incredible rise, long depression - by a huge surge of optimism, apathy and lethargy - by a surge of strength and inspiration.
There is also an anatomical feature that affects the Russian mentality: the Slavs have a more developed right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for emotions rather than logic, therefore we are often not rational. This feature of the Russian mentality is clearly visible in planning, say, a family budget. If a German meticulously calculates all expenses, including the purchase of napkins, for a month, six months and even a year, then a measured way of life is alien to Russian people.
The Russian mentality is shaped by sharp fluctuations in weather conditions.
We are unable to foresee everything that may happen in the near future. We may get carried away by a project; we can, without preparing in advance, suddenly make a rather expensive purchase; in the end, to our relative, friend or even almost to a stranger You may unexpectedly need help, and we will provide it without hesitation. After all, when considering the Russian mentality, one cannot help but mention such a feature as sentimentality. Unlike people of other nationalities who know how to keep their distance, we are instantly imbued with the feelings of other people. It is not for nothing that only in the Russian language there are expressions “intimate conversation”, “heart-to-heart conversation”.
We are keenly aware of someone else’s misfortune and joy, and we ourselves are often ready to reveal our innermost feelings to someone almost on the first day of acquaintance. An Italian will never tell a stranger about his family problems, an American will tactfully avoid personal topics - it’s as if you came to visit, and they only let you into the corridor. Russians tend to open all doors wide.
Russians are characterized by sentimentality and compassion.
That is why almost any Russian emigrant who left for Western Europe, USA or Canada, can’t get used to the fact that people around him are cold, dry, “buttoned up.” There, it takes years to establish close relationships, but here contacts between people develop much faster and warmer.
Moreover, we are very compassionate towards our smaller brothers. From time immemorial, Slavs have been willing to have pets and perceive them as full members of the family. And residents of Russian villages who keep cows cannot calmly lead them to the slaughterhouse and often continue to care for them until their death.
Our sensitivity also has a downside. We are quickly captivated by people, but soon we are often disappointed in them. These features of the Russian mentality manifest themselves in a sharp change in relationships– for example, fraternization after a fight and vice versa. And yet, if a quarrel occurs, a Russian person quickly forgets about it. We do not have traditions of “blood feud”, since easygoingness is one of the features of the Russian mentality. We are able not only to forget a momentary conflict, but also to endure serious grievances. Dostoevsky expressed it this way: “... and the entire Russian people are ready to forget whole torments for one kind word.”
Resourcefulness is one of the characteristic features of the Russian mentality
Another one peculiarity of the Russian mentality – social conformism. We like everything to be “like other people”; we care that they don’t think badly of us. Satirist Mikhail Zadornov notes: “Only a Russian woman, when leaving a hotel, cleans the room before the cleaning lady arrives. This would not occur to either a French woman or a German woman - after all, the cleaner is paid for this work!”
And one last thing. Despite creative thinking, the way of acting we can be called conservatives. We perceive innovations with distrust and spend a long time approaching them this way and that before we accept them into our lives. Compare: in the UK, 55% of older people can use a computer, in the USA - 67%, and in Russia - only 24%. And the point here is not only the lack of financial opportunity to purchase equipment, but reluctance to change the usual way of life.
I distrust the science of psychology and psychologists in particular. But now it's all fashionable. I invite readers to evaluate this popular article on the Internet.
In it Nikolai Ivanovich Kozlov, doctor psychological sciences, names features of the mentality of Russians that are impossible not to recognize both in themselves and in their compatriots.
In general, mentality is the prevailing schemes, stereotypes and patterns of thinking. Russians are not necessarily Russians. An individual may be proud of being a “Cossack”, “Bashkir” or “Jew” within Russia, but outside its borders all Russians (past and present) are traditionally called (regardless of origin) Russians. There are reasons for this: as a rule, they all have similarities in their mentality and behavioral patterns.
12 traits of the Russian mentality in which you recognize yourself
Russians have something to be proud of; we have a huge and strong country, we have talented people and deep literature, while we ourselves know our own weak sides. If we want to become better, we must know them.
So, let's look at ourselves from the outside, namely from the outside strictly scientific research. What do cultural researchers note as specific features of the Russian mentality?
1. Sobornost, the primacy of the general over the personal: “we are all our own,” we have everything in common and “what will people say.” Conciliarity results in the absence of the concept of privacy and the opportunity for any neighbor’s grandmother to intervene and tell you everything she thinks about your clothes, manners and the upbringing of your children.
From the same opera, the concepts of “public” and “collective”, which are absent in the West. “The opinion of the collective”, “don’t separate from the team”, “what will people say?” - conciliarity in its purest form. On the other hand, they will tell you if your tag is sticking out, your shoelace is untied, your pants are stained, or your grocery bag is torn. And also - they flash their headlights on the road to warn about the traffic police and save you from a fine.
2. The desire to live in truth. The term "truth", often found in ancient Russian sources, means the legal norms on the basis of which the trial was carried out (hence the expressions “to judge the right” or “to judge in truth”, that is, objectively, fairly). Sources of codification are norms of customary law, princely judicial practice, as well as borrowed norms from authoritative sources - primarily the Holy Scriptures.
Outside Russian culture more often they talk about law-abidingness, rules of decency, or following religious commandments. In the Eastern mentality, Truth is not talked about; in China, it is important to live according to the precepts left by Confucius.
3. When choosing between reason and feeling, Russians choose feeling: sincerity and sincerity. In the Russian mentality, “expediency” is practically synonymous with selfish, selfish behavior and is not held in high esteem, like something “American.” It is difficult for the average Russian citizen to imagine that one can act intelligently and consciously not only for oneself, but also for the sake of someone, therefore selfless actions are identified with actions “from the heart,” based on feelings, without the head.
Russian - dislike of discipline and methodicality, life according to one's soul and mood, change of mood from peacefulness, forgiveness and humility to merciless rebellion to complete destruction - and vice versa. The Russian mentality lives rather according to the female model: feeling, gentleness, forgiveness, reacting with crying and rage to the consequences of such a life strategy.
4. A certain negativism: most Russians more often see flaws in themselves rather than virtues. Abroad, if a person accidentally touches another person on the street, the standard reaction of almost everyone is: “Sorry,” an apology and a smile. That's how they were raised. It’s sad that in Russia such patterns are more negative, here you can hear “Well, where are you looking?”, and something more harsh. Russians understand well what melancholy is, despite the fact that this word is untranslatable into other European languages. On the streets, it is not customary for us to smile, look into the faces of others, make indecent acquaintances, or simply start talking.
5. A smile in Russian communication is not mandatory attribute politeness. In the West, the more a person smiles, the more polite he is. In traditional Russian communication, priority is given to the requirement of sincerity. A smile among Russians demonstrates a personal affection for another person, which, naturally, does not apply to everyone. Therefore, if a person smiles not from the heart, it causes rejection.
You can ask for help - most likely they will help. It's normal to beg for both a cigarette and money. Man with constantly good mood arouses suspicion - either sick or insincere. Anyone who usually smiles affably at others is, if not a foreigner, then, of course, a sycophant. Of course, insincere. He says “Yes”, agrees - a hypocrite. Because sincere Russian man will definitely disagree and object. And in general, the truest sincerity is when you swear! Then you trust the person!
6. Love of controversy. In Russian communication it is traditional great place are occupied by disputes. Russian people love to argue on a variety of issues, both private and general. Love for debate on global, philosophical issues is a striking feature of Russian communicative behavior.
Russian people are often interested in argument not as a means of finding the truth, but as a mental exercise, as a form of emotional, sincere communication with each other. This is why in Russian communicative culture those arguing so often lose the thread of the argument and easily deviate from the original topic.
At the same time, it is completely uncharacteristic to strive for compromise or to let the interlocutor save face. Uncompromisingness and conflict are manifested very clearly: our person is uncomfortable if he did not argue, could not prove that he was right. “As an English teacher formulated this quality: “A Russian always bets to win.” And vice versa, the characteristic “conflict-free” rather has a disapproving connotation, like “spineless”, “unprincipled”.
7. Russian people live by faith in good, which will one day descend from heaven (or simply from above) onto the long-suffering Russian land: “Good will definitely defeat evil, but then, someday.” At the same time, his personal position is irresponsible: “Someone will bring us the truth, but not me personally. I can’t do anything myself and I won’t do anything.” For several centuries now, the main enemy of the Russian people has been the state in the form of a serving-punitive class.
8. The “keep your head down” principle. The Russian mentality has a disdainful attitude towards politics and democracy as a form of political structure in which the people are the source and controller of the activities of power. Characteristic is the conviction that people don’t really decide anything anywhere and democracy is a lie and hypocrisy. At the same time, tolerance and habit of lies and hypocrisy of their authorities due to the conviction that it is impossible otherwise.
9. Habit of theft, bribery and deception. The conviction that everyone steals everywhere, and that it is impossible to earn big money honestly. The principle is “if you don’t steal, you don’t live.” Alexander I: “In Russia there is such theft that I’m afraid to go to the dentist - I’ll sit in a chair and they’ll steal my jaw...” Dahl: “Russian people are not afraid of the cross, but they’re afraid of the pestle.”
At the same time, Russians are characterized by a protest attitude towards punishment: punishing for minor violations is not good, somehow petty, it is necessary to “forgive!” will sigh for a long time until he gets angry and starts a pogrom.
10. Following from the previous paragraph characteristic Russian mentality - love for freebies. Movies need to be downloaded via torrent, pay for licensed programs - it’s a waste, the dream is the joy of Leni Golubkov in the MMM pyramid. Our fairy tales depict heroes who lie on the stove and eventually receive a kingdom and a sexy queen. Ivan the Fool is strong not because of his hard work, but because of his intelligence, when Pike, Sivka-Burka, Little Humpbacked Horse and other wolves, fish and firebirds do everything for him.
11. Taking care of health is not a value, sports are strange, getting sick is normal, but it is categorically not allowed to leave the poor, including it is considered morally unacceptable to leave those who did not care about their health and as a result became essentially helpless disabled people. Women look for the rich and successful, but love the poor and sick. “How can he live without me?” - hence codependency as a norm of life.
12. In us, pity takes the place of humanism. If humanism welcomes care for people, placing them on the pedestal of the free, developed, strong man, then pity directs care to the unfortunate and sick. According to statistics from Mail.ru and VTsIOM, helping adults is in fifth place in popularity after helping children, the elderly, animals and environmental problems. People feel more sorry for dogs than for people, and among people, out of a sense of pity, it is more important to support non-viable children, rather than adults who could still live and work.
In the comments to the article, some agree with such a portrait, others accuse the author of Russophobia. No, the author loves Russia and believes in it, having been engaged in educational and educational activities for your country. There are no enemies here and there is no need to look for them here, our task is different: namely, to think about how we can raise our country and raise children - our new citizens.
