Mentality of Russians

Russia has always been a country located between East and West. The Russian man repeatedly asked himself whether he was a man of the West or still more of a spontaneous East. Philosophers solved this question in their own way. Many of them even began to talk about the unique position of the country, which has its own unique way. The mentality of Russians is difficult to compare with the mentality of neighboring countries, both Western and Eastern. Of course, it can find something in common with each of the powers, however, there is something in the Russian soul that does not lend itself to a simple classification.

The mentality of the Russian people was formed over the centuries. The geographic coordinates of the country, and a new religion (Orthodox Christianity) had an impact on him. And the Russian person is mostly Orthodox, because he reflects the dogmas of his faith. The peculiarities of the Russian mentality can be found not only in the way of thinking, but also in the way of life itself. The Western world is extremely simple, there exists a threefold division of the universe: the divine world, the demonic world and the world of people. Therefore, people living in the West are eager to do something in this world. In a Russian, the universe is binary: either divine or demonic. This world is considered a dark kingdom, given to the prince of darkness. Every day, people see injustice and imperfection.

The Russian mentality has always striven for maximalism. And this desire results either in the creation of an ideal world here and now (revolution), or in complete self-elimination and asceticism. Russian people are mostly apolitical. Nevertheless, he is keenly aware of the dissatisfaction with the authorities. Justice in Russian means equality and brotherhood. And since ideals are unrealizable, the world is in the power of evil forces. Instead of doing something (as is the case in all capitalist countries), the Russian will be better at asceticism.

The Russian mentality, formed by the Orthodox religion, is not prepared to follow the path of a market economy. Only a few could accept the fact that self-elimination will not lead to anything good. Russia is an abundant country. And, at the same time, the Russians continue to live worse than the European peoples. This is a paradox, over which specialists break through the head from year to year. Great influence on the mentality of the Russians was the neighborhood of the Turkic tribes. The Slavs themselves were a peace-loving people, hospitable and meek. The confusion of the Slavs with the Turks gave rise to a tendency to melancholy, depression, cruelty and booze. This is how the contradictory temperament of the Russians was born, in which extremes adjoin. The most eastern feature in the mentality of the Russian people is manifested in its collectivism and attitude toward power.

Power for the Russian is sacred, it is given from above. The authorities need to obey. However, as soon as rebellion is born in the soul, a Russian person is ready to destroy everything. Since ancient times history has brought to our days cases of riots and uprisings. It is worthwhile for a Russian person to see in the image of the tsar the prince of darkness, and the holy revolution begins. However, strong sovereigns could always pacify their subjects. The collectivism of Russians is manifested not so much in peacetime as in the period of wars and disasters. Here you can find not only an amazing mutual assistance among people, but also steadfastness. There are cases when residents of Russian cities kept the defense to the last without any control by military officials. This is a striking fact, which shows not only the high foundations of collectivism, but also patriotism and civic-mindedness. By the way, Russian nationalism is not inherent in the form in which it was manifested in a number of Western countries. The citizenship of this people has a completely different basis.