A nation’s literature explains a lot about their ethos. Having taken a few semesters of Russian literature in college, I offer this observation. War, death, poverty, and societal ills loom large, as do themes of unfairness and the inability to overcome “the system” and corrupt bureaucrats. Add in malevolent leaders who revel in torment and death and it suggests that, unless you’re an noble or oligarch, life holds very little for you. There’s nothing left to do but inflict the misery on others.
@cassandra17lina
I've never studied it, but my father has a Masters in Russian lit. I've heard many stories over the years to confirm your observation.
I believe he said it was Nabokov who described the Russian people as a nation of abused children. I've never found that as a direct quote, but it's certainly the picture he paints.
I think that's helpful in understanding the Russian mindset. The fight was beaten out of them centuries ago, they can't believe in change for the better.
