The Russian National Character in the Past

The national character exists: it arises from the layering of a nation's historical experiences, traditions, customs, and worldview. According to the ethnological dictionary, the national character is the sum of specific psychological traits that manifest in behavior, ways of thinking, and mentality.

Foreigners visiting Russia in the 17th–19th centuries often observed the distinctiveness of Russian life and character, which differed significantly from the West. Russia was an independent world, "living its unique, organic, self-regulating life" (Tyutchev).

The Slavic ancestors formed territorial communities where newcomers were not considered outsiders—they could integrate into the community and even marry within it. There was no racial or tribal exclusivity, only the unity of the homeland. From this stems the Russian character's openness in all directions and its ability to assimilate other peoples without conflict.

Later, many traits of the Russian character were shaped by the Orthodox faith. It was not geographic latitude but Orthodoxy that separated Russians from the Muslim and Buddhist East.

Speaking of earlier centuries, we primarily think of the peasant character, as the vast majority of the population then were peasants. The prominent traits were as follows:

• Naïve acceptance of fate, veneration of popular Russian saints, prayer books, and the patronage of holy fools;
• Compassion and willingness to help;
• Readiness for devotion and self-sacrifice;
• Inclination for self-criticism and public repentance;
• Faith as the primary support of character, the role of prayer;
• Acceptance of death with epic calm, readiness for a peaceful passing;
• Rejection of external success and wealth, affirmation of moderate prosperity;
• Openness and sincerity;
• Natural simplicity and directness in behavior (sometimes coarse);
• Measured pace;
• A strong sense of humor;
• Generosity, as Russians are not prone to long-term hatred;
• Adaptability: ease in forming human connections;
• Understanding and empathy;
• Intense zest for life;
• Magnanimity and a spirited outlook on life.

The greatest flaw of the Russian character is its lack of consistent methodicalness, persistence, and internal discipline. From these traits also arises the renowned Russian patience, coupled with great physical and mental endurance.

For centuries, Russians lacked the legal consciousness so characteristic of Western people. Laws were often met with distrust and irony, and it was evident that officials could be bribed. Instead of legal consciousness, a living sense of justice has always existed and still persists today.

The Russian people have always shunned politics and public activity. "The Russian spirit drew more from the idea of divine justice on Earth than from the possession of external freedom" (Levitsky). They sought power even less, keeping their distance and viewing it with contempt as a source of fatal impurity, temptation, and sin. Yet, they yearned for and awaited with wonder the strong and righteous actions of their ruler. This explains their helplessness and limitless submissive endurance of fate.

National character is not static. It changes with the environment, the natural milieu that nourishes the soul, and the spirit of the age. The Russian character has also changed. The "Time of Troubles" (17th century) unleashed the spirit of brutal campaigns from a dynamic segment of the population, especially the Cossacks. The church schism of the 17th century had a much deeper, irreversible impact, creating a fatal rift that rooted Peter's autocracy, indiscriminately dismantling Russian customs and traditions.

Since then, the original Russian character has been stubbornly preserved in the separate world of the Old Believers. What we experience as the Russian character over the past three centuries is already the distorted result of Nikon's and Peter's ill-considered church reforms.

The flawed emancipation of the serfs was another profound upheaval. The way of life for certain social strata collapsed, leading to moral decay, outbursts of temper, and increasing alcoholism. Religious devotion faltered, the Christian identity of the people dimmed, and material concerns gained dominance.

After February 1917, the unparalleled elemental force of Russian passions and unbridled popular anarchy erupted. The Bolsheviks swiftly reengineered and harnessed the Russian character for their purposes. Through their counter-selective methods, which eradicated all that was excellent and superior, they systematically altered and dismantled the Russian character. The moral order of the people disintegrated. In a state of fear, total disenfranchisement, and surrounded by a dense network of informants, secrecy and distrust took root and prevailed. People disavowed their relatives and friends. Apathy, pretense, and the spirit of betrayal dominated. The fading goodness was replaced by ingratitude, cruelty, and ruthless ambition.

The Soviet-German war and the immeasurable losses of defenseless people after the terror undermined the noble character of the Russian people.

The ideology of the market—"man is a wolf to man"—further struck at the soul. The intrinsic traits of the Russian character made them defenseless. The former openness rendered Russians easy prey to foreign influences and intellectual spinelessness.

Given the high demands of the approaching informational century, to hold significance among other nations, we must prepare our temperament for the intensity of the 21st century. Yet, throughout our history, we have precisely not been accustomed to such intensity. The Russian character today is shaken and in transition. Which direction will it take?

Alekszandr Szolzsenyicin "Oroszország az összeomlás felé" in "Orosznak lenni-vagy nem lenni?" Európa kiadó, Budapest, 2013