Chapter 5 of The Character of Peoples by André Siegfried
The Russian Mindset
Introduction: Geographical location and historical experiences have profoundly shaped the Russian mindset, leaving it "somewhat impenetrable" to outside observers.
The Influence of Geography:
Siegfried begins his analysis with the immense geography of Russia, its uniformity, and its lack of natural defences against invasion coupled with its impenetrability. European Russia alone spans over 2 million square miles, with the total area of European and Asiatic Russia exceeding 8 million square miles.
The sheer distances are incomparable to those in Western Europe, with France fitting ten times into European Russia. This vast, monotonous landscape, described by a poet as "one white plane after another white plane," lacks natural barriers, leaving it vulnerable to successive invasions throughout history. These invasions have resulted in an ethnic patchwork, with layers of different peoples superimposed and mingled.
Despite this ethnic complexity, a certain way of life, a certain manner of reacting to circumstances, and a certain sort of feeling have become common to all Russians due to the geography, climate, and general environment.
Foreigners often become aware of this unique atmosphere, described as the "Russian ambient".
Europe or Asia? The Eurasian Question:
The question of whether Russia is European or Asian is a recurring theme. Siegfried suggests it is something in between, neither completely European nor entirely Asiatic, leading to terms like "Eurasia" and the "sixth continent".
He places the dividing line somewhere on the frontier of central Europe, in the great glacial plane from north Germany to Poland, a transition vividly described by Luke Dertain.
The observations highlight a shift from Germanic obedience to a more "resigned and passive" attitude, with an "eastern complaintiveness and contemplativeness".
Statisticians are also noted as increasingly treating the Soviet Union as a class apart, almost a separate continent. While some view the Russian as a Westerner influenced by Asia, Bismar suggested it is more accurate to see him as an Asiatic influenced by the West.
Historical Invasions and Ethnic Formation:
The ethnic formation of the Russian people is largely attributed to two main series of invasions superimposed on native stocks. The native populations included nomadic Finns in the north and nomadic Mongolians in the southern steppes.
The subsequent major contribution came from the Slavs, who migrated from Iran before the Christian era. These Slavs formed three main groups: the Great Russians, the Little Russians (Ukrainians), and the White Russians.
Following the Christian era, further invasions of Asiatic origin occurred, including the Huns, the tribesmen of Genghis Khan, and the Golden Horde, all of whom subjected and settled in vast areas. While the Slav element is the most significant, there are also Tatar and various other elements.
Key Characteristics of the Russian Mindset:
- Patience, Endurance, and Capacity to Suffer:
One of the most Asiatic characteristics is a great patience, endurance, and capacity to suffer.
This is seen as a result of the harsh climate, invasions, and a tradition of cruelty, leading to a realistic acceptance of suffering as natural. This is reflected in the repeated phrase "nichevo" (it's of no consequence).
- Lack of Balance and Contradictions:
The combination of Eastern and Western influences has resulted in a "certain undeniable lack of balance".
There is something fantastic and excessive about the Russian due to the lack of fusion between contradictory elements. This manifests as the coexistence of humility and pride, idealism and cynicism, virtue and vice, with abrupt shifts between them.
- Humility and Pride, Idealism and Cynicism, Virtue and Vice:
These contradictory traits are frequently observed, both in Russian literature (particularly Dostoevsky) and in international interactions with Soviet representatives, who can combine charm and brutality.
- Missing Psychological Stage:
It is suggested that the Russian has missed a stage in psychological development between the Middle Ages and modern society, between barbarism and refinement.
- Distrust of the West:
The Russian, whether Tsarist or revolutionary, has historically regarded the basis of Western civilisation as morally bad. Even when adopting Western technology, they do not fully adopt its principles and do not feel entirely at home with it.
- Attitude Towards Private Property:
The idea of private property has never been a firm conviction among Russians, often causing scruples and remorse, even before the revolution. Bourgeois society is fundamentally seen as sinful by many Russians.
- Mysticism and Idealism:
Alongside a materialistic official outlook, there exists a strong element of mysticism and idealism, evident in religious sentiment and even in the passionate language used to describe technical advancements.
- Irregularity of Daily Life:
Daily life in Russia is characterised by an "incurable irregularity," with a vagueness of time and a different relationship with the sun's movements compared to the West, suggesting a persistent nomadism.
- Talent for Human Relations and Endless Discussions:
- Russians have a talent for human relations, engaging in endless, often inconclusive discussions. This can be countered by strict governmental orders and discipline.
- Brutality and Lack of Respect for Human Life:
Despite positive qualities, an unavoidable conclusion drawn from historical accounts (including experiences of soldiers and prisoners) is that the Russian people can be brutal, savage, given to drink, and show little respect for human life. This has historically led to Western European perceptions of a terrifying "horde".
Continuity Across Regimes:
Siegfried's analysis suggests a significant continuity in essential Russian characteristics despite political changes. The transition from Tsarist Russia to the Soviet Union did not fundamentally alter certain deep-seated aspects of the national psychology.
The Bolshevik regime even sought to identify its origins not with the bourgeois and decadent Russia of Nicholas II but with the mighty Russia of Peter the Great. This highlights a perceived continuous thread in Russian history and national identity.
It all paints a complex picture of the Russian mindset, shaped by vast geography, a history of invasions, and a unique position between Europe and Asia. The resulting character is one of contradictions, marked by both admirable and concerning traits that have persisted across different eras of Russian history.
The enduring image is of a people with a distinct common physical and moral atmosphere and a mystic conception of themselves and their destiny.