ividualism, the kind of militant individualism that verges on the antagonism towards one’s own roots, one’s own civilization.
“We believe you cannot have a strong society and a prosperous nation if you adhere to the every-man-for-himself principle, if you are guided by primitive instincts of intolerance, selfishness and dependence”, said the Russian President. By and large, it was a response to the proponents of the similar outlook.
Indeed, can a country survive if the central pillars are selfishness and extreme individualism? I seriously doubt that. Would we have our motherland if in 1613, in 1812 and in 1941 everybody had cared only about their own survival, had trusted no one but themselves, had lacked people or historical figures whose suit to follow or had lacked the desire to do so?
The Day of Russia is, to a large extent, a day when we express our pride in the country’s history. Its iconic scenes also constitute the images of the country. This brings to mind such grand events as the Christianization of Kievan Rus’, the Battle on the Ice, and the militia resistance of Minin and Pozharsky. We remember Alexander Suvorov and “The Science of Victory”; we recall the voice of Chaliapin, the music by Tchaikovsky, the Soviet flag over the Reichstag, Marshal Georgy Zhukov as the parade inspector at the Moscow Victory Parade, and Gagarin’s flight. And does the music concert staged by the Mariinsky Theater in liberated Palmyra and led by conductor Valery Gergiev not belong here?
It so happened that we look for role models in the past. That is why we are so keen on studying history and learning more about our past. Naturally it would be naïve to claim all the credit for the victory and the discoveries of their ancestors. History teaches us lessons for us to learn rather than show off. But let us recall Pushkin’s words: “One not only can, but also must feel pride in their ancestors’ glory; lack of respect reveals shameful cowardice.”
Excellent models from the past inspire confidence and allow us to discover reserves of strength at “fateful moments of strife.” They provide motivation to create, rather than to stagnate. And the first step to success is the understanding that we are not from the “country of fools”. Our country’s past is a success story rather than the “ordeal.” Despite everything it is a genuine success story. The very word – “Russia” –is so full of resilience.
This article first appeared in the “Istorik” Journal