The main diseases of the Russian population of the 16th - 17th centuries. The mysterious Russian soul (national character of Russians and peculiarities of communication)
Professional healers emerged mainly from among magi, sorcerers, sorcerers, healers, and sorcerers - this was facilitated by natural observation, the desire to find a solution to natural phenomena, the secrets of the human body. Many early chronicles are imbued with respect for the natural science knowledge of the Magi.
The Magi were experts in “potions”, i.e. medicinal plants. The Magi successfully acted as children's doctors, provided assistance to women with infertility, they were invited to the homes of patients suffering from contagious diseases, to the wounded and “ulcer” patients.
In early written monuments, the concepts of “magician”, “doctor”, “healer”, “zeleynik”, “sorcerer” are completely undifferentiated. According to the ancient Russian concept, magic is a high art, skill (“magical cunning”), and a sorcerer is “wise,” a person with great experience and knowledge.
To show the special depth of medical knowledge among doctors, Old Russian literature assigned them the epithets of “wise”, “cunning”, “philosophers”.
Medicine in Novgorod as an example of medicine in Rus'
In terms of its sanitary culture and improvement, Novgorod ranked first among the largest cities in Northern Europe.
Here, before wooden pavements appeared on squares and streets in Paris and London, an extensive underground drainage network of wooden pipes operated.
Novgorodians, before the Kievites (at the end of the 9th - beginning of the 10th centuries), began to build wooden huts.
Bathhouse in Ancient Rus' was much more widespread than in any European country. Novgorod healers well understood the healing power of baths.
Soap at that time was imported from abroad and was available. Beautiful and comfortable clothes are not only a manifestation of tastes and fashion different eras, but also a kind of indicator of the sanitary culture of the population. Novgorodians in the XI - XIII centuries. dressed in clothes that retain heat well and reliably protect the skin from mechanical damage, dust, dirt, insect bites, and do not hinder movement.
To wash clothes and wash the body, Novgorodians used easily soapy soils and minerals that contained fat and ash. The laundry was boiled in barrels of ash water.
Novgorodians were strong people. Physical labor, simple, healthy food, and prolonged exposure to fresh air increased their resistance to the destructive effects of microorganisms.
But the cruel scourge of hunger and epidemics claimed many lives. From the middle of the 12th to the beginning of the 18th century. plague, smallpox, anthrax, typhus - 17 times became the cause of devastating epidemics for Novgorod. Everyone who was capable fled the city, leaving it in the care of secular and monastic doctors.
At constant risk to their lives, they walked around courtyards and streets. They fed the sick by passing food to them through the flames of the fire. The dead were taken to distant cemeteries.
The first hospitals were founded mainly in monasteries. Wooden hospital buildings were usually located inside a quadrangular space formed by the monastery walls. In large monasteries, along with hospitals, baths and “svitoshnye” (laundries) were built.
Since the 15th century. hearths with a hole in the ceiling instead of a chimney were replaced by stoves, which were eventually replaced by a system of in-wall pipes with hot air circulating through them. The windows were covered with mica plates. The patients slept on wooden planks. Instead of mattresses, dry moss, straw, and reeds were used.
The widespread use of medicines of plant and animal origin was complemented by techniques from the arsenal of surgical art.
“Cutters” (surgeons) were held in high esteem in ancient Novgorod. Using belladonna extract and opium tincture, they performed quite complex operations such as amputation of limbs, craniotomy, and abdominal dissection.
In some chronicles you can find a description of medical actions. So, judging by the “Selections of Svyatoslav” (1073, 1076), the doctor had to, first of all, be a cutter (surgeon - M.M.), able to cut tissue, amputate limbs, perform therapeutic cauterizations with a hot iron, i.e. to those who use metal: “Iron doesn’t know what it does, but the doctor knows the action of iron.” In other chronicles, peculiar illustrations on medical topics. Thus, the “Front Chronicle”, covering the period from the “creation of the world” to 1567, contains drawings of ancient Russian prostheses called “drevyanitsa” or “toyagi”. They were intended for amputees. Crutches, also wooden, sometimes with complex devices, were used to support the shoulder and knee. In the “Vault” there was even a miniature illustrating the process of making an iron fastening for a crutch in a forge.
Medical information in ancient Russian chronicles was most often associated with diseases of the powerful. Thus, the Tale of Bygone Years (1044) talks about a permanent bandage on the crown of Prince Vseslav’s head due to a congenital cerebral hernia. The Ipatiev Chronicle (1289) contains a documentary and colorful description of the illness of Prince Vladimir Vasilyevich Volynsky, thanks to which a modern physician can recognize the disease about which we're talking about: most likely it was cancer of the lower lip. Unfortunately, the Ipatiev Chronicle does not report how the prince was treated - perhaps also because the outcome of the treatment turned out to be fatal.
The chronicler covers the disease of Vasily III (father of Ivan the Terrible) in much more detail and skillfully, giving an almost clinical description of the course of the disease, which was, in all likelihood, a purulent inflammation hip joint(purulent arthritis).
The unique “illness histories” of the Russian princes recorded in the chronicles indicate the use of various surgical methods of treatment. Thus, the Nikon Chronicle describes how in the “summer of 6949” (i.e. in 1441) the long-ill Prince Dmitry Yuryevich the Red received communion His confessor, the monk Father Hosea, provided qualified medical assistance: in case of severe bleeding, he successfully used the tamponade method.
Old Russian historians reported the use of the cauterization method (using burning tinder). According to the Nikon Chronicle, in the “summer of 6970” (in 1462), in the treatment of Grand Duke Vasily Vasilyevich, who suffered from “dry disease,” the then generally accepted method of treatment was used - cauterization. Unfortunately, the method used did not help.
One of the few famous names is the legendary Eupraxia (1108-1180), granddaughter of Vladimir Monomakh, daughter of Prince Mstislav. In 1122, she was married to the son of the Byzantine Emperor Alexei Komnenos and was named Zoe at the coronation. In Byzantium she studied Greek language and “she studied a lot in her favorite field of healing, perhaps she re-read the medical works available to her (Hippocrates, Galen, etc.) and as a result she herself wrote a manual on medicine.
This manual is one of the oldest Russian medical books, “Masi” (“Alimma”): the only surviving copy of this manual was kept in Florence, in the library of Lorenzo Medici. IN late XIX century, Russian historian Kh.M. Loparev discovered this work in Florence and acquired a copy of the Greek manuscript “Alimma”. The manuscript, which consisted of five parts, brought into a certain system various disparate medical information, in particular, it described “external diseases” and provided recipes for various medications recommended for diseases of the skin and teeth, and talked about diseases of the heart and stomach. All kinds of ointments were listed in the manuscript as the most common medicines, which is probably why the entire work received the name “Alimma”. This work, which summarized a number of medical observations of that time and was attributed to Zoya, was obviously familiar and used by the doctors of Ancient Rus'. What was the “medical class” of Ancient Rus'?
Educated monastic doctors and professionals in their field worked in the monastery and church hospitals that existed at that time. Of course, the main occupation of the scholar-monks, who then represented a very thin layer of intellectual culture carriers, was most likely not healing the sick or studying and corresponding ancient literature, but theology, which absorbed the main intellectual aspirations of the clergy. But still, as evidenced historical sources, many of them included so-called monastery doctors.
In addition to educated (to one degree or another) monastic doctors who treated their patients in monasteries, in medieval Russia there were numerous lay doctors, professional healers who learned the basics of their profession through apprenticeship, often in the families of hereditary healers. Among them, specialists of a “therapeutic” profile predominated - Kamchuzhnye (for the treatment of aches, in modern understanding- rheumatism), full-time (they treated eye diseases), chepuchinnye (specialists in syphilis), those who treated for “damage” (the ancestors of modern psychoneurologists), etc.
It can be said quite definitely that in medieval Russia treatment by a surgeon was commonplace. these methods were used in practice. Medical, incl. surgical, assistance to the common people, in particular the treatment of wounds, was to some extent ensured by law
Among the worldly doctors there were also doctors of a “surgical” profile - cutters: among them there were chiropractors (“traumatologists”), stone cutters (specialists in the treatment of bladder diseases), keel masters (engaged in the treatment of clubroot, i.e. hernia), and chichuy ( treated for hemorrhoids). Later, in the 15th and 16th centuries, contemporaries’ testimonies also mention alchemists, “healers of the Polish breed,” students of general medicine, etc.
True, very little is said about their affairs, about their practice, about their methods of treatment in ancient Russian chronicles. There were probably several reasons for this, for example, the chroniclers’ ignorance of medicine; but the main reason, perhaps, was the initially skeptical attitude of the church towards these healers, who, along with the methods of ancient and traditional medicine, also used methods of sorcery, severely persecuted by Orthodoxy, which came from pagan times. However, we cannot exclude an element of some kind of competition with monastic doctors and monastic medicine.
Pharmacology in Rus'
Thus, our ancient colleagues defeated the disease that modern doctors call scurvy with rosehip infusion, garlic, and onions. By the way, onions were considered a universal remedy; there was even a saying about them: “Onions cure seven ailments.” Tar helped against skin diseases, carrots helped against anemia, and pumpkin seeds drove out worms. There is an opinion that there was even a complex decoction that included mercury: it was used for “sticky” (venereal) diseases. The use of some medicinal products had to be accompanied by conspiracies. Since the end of the 17th century, in medical books there have been an extremely large number of “medical” prayers and witchcraft spells, borrowed partly from folk epic antiquity, partly from apocryphal books: all these prayers and spells were, of course, a kind of psychotherapeutic medicines and sometimes helped the sick.
Theriac - every doctor who has left a mark in history has a reference to this panacea for all ills, starting from Galen, ending with Avicenna, and further - right up to modern times. Theriac is included in the arsenal of Tibetan medicine and, more broadly, medicine throughout the East.
Historians and doctors are trying to find a recipe for this drug in ancient sources of information, but so far without success. But it would be interesting to learn more about it and, perhaps (why not?) bring it back to life. There is a suspicion that theriac is still in the arsenal of reliable traditional medicine.
In Rus' they were also known side effects the use of mercury - stomatitis, as well as ways to prevent them.
Old Russian healers also used minerals to treat diseases.
Lapis lazuli was used as a laxative and to treat intermittent fevers.
Diamond was used to lubricate the edges of purulent wounds and ulcers, as well as to treat gums with scurvy.
The use of agate is mentioned in Svyatoslav’s Collection. In Ancient Rus', vessels were made from it for transporting and storing medicines. Already in those days, agate was considered a medicine. It was used as a powder or ointment for bite wounds. The medical book describes a type of agate - onyx, which was used to make instruments for bloodletting. Amethyst was highly valued in Rus'. It was used as an antidote for alcohol poisoning.
In Ancient Rus', there was a widespread method of treating diseases with the help of certain organs, bile, animal juices, bird eggs, and extracts from insect bodies. Raw materials for such medicines were mined in Rus' and brought from other countries. A lot of raw materials were brought from eastern countries.
The most popular remedy for any stomach upset was considered the “bezoar stone,” which was found in the intestines of many animals.
There is another remedy of animal origin that was used in Rus' - the secretion of the musk deer gland - a source of musk. It was used for heart disease, as well as for epilepsy, mentally ill people with depression, and was used to treat binge drinking.
Antler “rubbings”—antlers of sika deer—were extremely popular among doctors in the Moscow state. In Rus', antler “scrubs” were prescribed for epilepsy), stomach and uterine bleeding, and paralysis. Patients drank them with wine and water for heart disease.
In Rus', substances that had a beneficial effect on the heart, calmed the nerves, and gave vigor were especially valued. In ancient Russian medical books they were called by gentle pet names: “lyubka”, “sweet potion”, “gift of heaven” and so on.
But the main place in ancient Russian medicine was occupied by herbal medicines. Currently, they have been better studied, and many of them are successfully used by modern doctors. Thus, cloves were recommended for weak vision, diseases of the stomach, liver, and heart. Pepper (black) was considered by Russian doctors to be a real panacea for all diseases. They also treated rheumatic diseases. Ginger was given as a cold remedy. It was taken in vinegar at night.
Nutmeg and nutmeg, which were brought from India, were also popular. They were used as a diuretic and to excite chronic patients.
Wormwood, wild rosemary, etc. were used as disinfectants in Ancient Rus'. The “Kievo-Pechersk Patericon” (16th century) mentions senna and rhubarb, which were used as laxatives.
However, it was not easy to preserve medicines and herbalists. It was not safe to keep them at home. They could write a denunciation against such a person, put him on trial, take all his property to the treasury, and send the person to some remote monastery. And there were many such cases in Rus'.
Despite this, medicines and herbalists continued to be kept secretly in many homes, thanks to which we have an idea of many elements of folk medicine of Ancient Rus'.
In the clinics of Russian medicine great importance buy plants. The procurement of medicinal plants comes to the forefront through the introduction of natural labor, as well as thanks to the expeditions of herbalists of the apothecary order. The entire onion family, and especially garlic and onions, had a special “authority”. Ancient herbalists noted their ability to stimulate skin regeneration in case of burns, bruises, and wounds.
Surgery of Rus'
In handwritten medical books, wounds were distinguished as “shot”, “cut” and “stabbed”, and Special attention addressed not to “fresh” wounds, but to frequently encountered complications - “old” wounds that had not healed for a long time. Conservative methods of treatment, using various ointments, prevailed. For dressing, either dried fungal mycelia, “sprinkler lips”, or “tree moss”, collected mainly “from fragrant trees” were used: this moss was also considered a good hemostatic agent. Wounds and ulcers were irrigated with various healing liquids. Lotions and washes were used.
They used powders and fumigated wounds with smoke. Deep wounds(“fistulas”) were subjected to douching.
Quite a lot is known about the life of our ancestors. Information collected by historians and archaeologists, chronicles and legends sufficiently recreate pictures of the past. There are many historical monuments that represent writings describing the heroic past or everyday life. Among them there is evidence of traditional medicine, containing long-forgotten, little-known and little-studied recipes and advice that reflect the originality of the Russian people. All this represents findings of folk intuition, which were passed on from generation to generation, passing the test of time. Many of these pieces of advice from ancient Russian doctors have not lost their medical significance, and if you take them carefully, they can bring their “deep benefit,” as Peter the Great sometimes liked to say, according to eyewitnesses.
What were the patients of the doctors of that time like? According to legend, in the fifteenth century the Russian was a hardy, strong, surprisingly patient and unpretentious person in food. However, in his behavior he was distinguished by passivity, phlegmatism and even some lethargy. The people acted harshly, where there was no place for the weak and infirm. They died in infancy, and no one really tried to save them. But the survivors were particularly resistant to adverse circumstances. environment. Children were weaned very early. In the third month he was already switched to goat or cow's milk They were given a chewed crumb (“doll”) made of black bread, wrapped in a slobbery rag. After some time, the child was completely switched to eating the same foods that adults consumed. Such a child had no clothes other than a rough shirt. Half-naked and barefoot children rushed through the streets of villages until the very first snow. Very early age children began to work, doing hard peasant work.
Peasant lunch during the harvest. Artist Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky
The life of a Russian person was not conducive to excesses. The main diet included porridge, black rye bread, various roots, onions, fish and kvass. Many families often lacked food. Constantly observed religious fasts contributed to malnutrition. In search of land and better places to live, Russian people began traveling, exploring the eastern lands, enduring the cold and heat, robbed by the rulers of that time.
Despite his excellent and strong body, the average Russian was a peace-loving person and did not like to fight. Unlike the Germans, who were very often hired into various troops and took part in almost all European wars, the Russians were known as bad warriors.
The average life expectancy was not long. Frequent illnesses caused by unfavorable living conditions did not allow the river of life to flow to its fullest and carried away a different mass of the population into the world.
The illness caused by the cold was very often ignored. They called her “the brat” and it was believed that everything would go away on its own. Diseases associated with nervous system, explained as damage, evil eye or slander. Among the diseases that often beset the common people were laryngeal, internal pain, edema, tabes, stone disease, dumbness, deafness, gnawing (hernia), toothache and so on.
A sick person first of all turned to healing through prayers. It was believed that God gave the disease as a test, which means that he will heal if he is convinced of the firm faith of his child. Prayers, strict fasting, touching miraculous icons and relics of saints - these were the main weapons against the diseases of the Russian people of that time. But along with such methods, there were also practical methods. They were the first evidence of the emergence of medicine in Rus'. Some methods were based on early advances in medicine and were practiced by monastic doctors. Others are folk healers who inherited them from pagan times. Many of these healers were recognized considerable strength. There is evidence that in order to heal a patient using his own methods, the healer had to remove the pectoral cross. And only then could his efforts bring results. Most often, these healers were women. It was believed that the gift of sorcery and witchcraft is transmitted mainly through the female line, as the woman was the first to succumb to the devil's influence.
The Church had a negative attitude towards witchcraft, and it also took responsibility not only for the mental, but also the physical health of people. The very first hospitals appeared at church institutions. The Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was especially famous in those days. The Monk Anthony was considered an excellent physician. Another healer Alimpiy distinguished himself by being able to raise an already half-dead man with leprosy to his feet.
But among the healers there were also many skilled healers. Some specialized in pulling teeth, others set hernias or bones, others “removed” damage, and some knew medicinal herbs. There were unique people who relied only on their imagination in treatment. So one Moscow sorcerer relieved people of headaches with strong cracks. He argued that, having settled in the head, he would become frightened and go over to the patient’s enemies.
Herbalists were called herbalists. Even princes resorted to their services. Ancient sources say that once Boris Godunov himself turned to the services of such a “specialist”. A certain boyar’s wife boasted that her husband knew about herbs, and then the tsar ordered that this man be urgently delivered to him. He himself suffered greatly from attacks of gout. But the boyar became stubborn and began to claim that he did not know how to heal with herbs, and his wife deliberately set him up in this way. For his stubbornness, the healer was ordered to be flogged and, if he did not come to his senses after a while, to be chopped off. The frightened herbalist agreed to treat the king. From his estate near Serpukhov they were delivered various herbs, from which the bath and decoctions were prepared. After taking all the procedures, the king suddenly felt healthy. Then he ordered the unfortunate healer to be flogged again for hiding his abilities and rewarded him with various gifts, including serfs.
Fedor Alekseev – Red Square
There were also foreign doctors in Rus'. They arrived mainly from Bohemia and England. They enjoyed great confidence among royalty, but they also had quite a few problems. They experienced particular difficulties when treating females, who could not be “seen without their full attire.” The diagnosis could only be made from the patient’s words, such as “it hurts in the very core,” “it’s pulling from the back,” “it’s tingling in the right side,” and the like. In addition, after taking it, an immediate effect was expected. And if this was not the case, then the drug was considered unsuitable for treatment and a demand was made that the doctor prepare another one. All failures were blamed on the doctor, who had to walk on a blade. Thus, the Bohemian healer Anton Ehrenstein, who came to Moscow under Ivan the Third, was unable to save the Tatar prince Karakucha, who was in the capital. For which he was handed over to his son, who, in retaliation, cut off his head “like a sheep” right on the bank of the Moscow River. A certain “Mister Leon”, who failed in treating the son of Ivan the Third, lost his head on the scaffold erected on Bolvanovka. The execution took place amid cheers from Muscovites: “The thief deserves punishment!”
Not knowing about the tough Moscow rules and hoping to earn extra money from foreign doctors, they found themselves in a difficult situation. If you wanted to return home to your homeland, you only needed permission from the king himself.
However ordinary people this was of little concern and “correct” medicine was not available to them. Under Mikhail Romanov, there was only one pharmacy in Moscow. To obtain medicine in it, you needed the permission of the sovereign himself. But foreign healers were not particularly popular, and being treated by them was considered a sin. Moscow especially disliked Jewish doctors, who exposed themselves to danger much more than other foreigners. It took a long time before people began to trust professional qualities healer, regardless of his origin and religion.
The Russian educated appeared at the beginning of the eighteenth century. His name was Pyotr Vasilievich Posnikov. He successfully graduated from the University of Padua, and then became significantly famous in his homeland.
However, the development of modern medicine has not completely eclipsed the importance old recipes. Over time, they began to be collected and recorded. Various “Herbalists” and “Healers” began to circulate among the people. There were also translations of foreign books. One of these books was published in 1580 by order of Voivode Serpukhov and was a translation from Polish. It contained information about herbs, alcohol tinctures, stone treatment, and the like. Unfortunately, the book burned in 1812, and evidence of its existence can be found in Karamzin.
For some time, the official church sharply opposed herbal treatment, but at the end of the seventeenth century the storm subsided, and the church healers themselves did not hesitate to use folk recipes.
The mysterious Russian soul (national character of Russians and peculiarities of communication)
You can be fascinated and disappointed by the Russian people, you can always expect surprises from them, they are highest degree capable of inspiring strong love and strong hatred.”
N. Berdyaev
National Character Traits
If they say about England “Good Old England”, meaning the preservation and observance of traditions, about France - “Beautiful France!”, meaning the beauty and splendor of the country for which it has always been famous in all its manifestations, then about Russia they say: “Holy Russia,” suggesting that Russia is a country historically oriented towards spiritual life, a country adhering to a traditional way of life, a country based on Orthodox values.
Historical and political transformations do not have a very positive impact on the character and mentality of the Russian people.
Vague, non-standard, non-traditional values introduced into Russian society- the philosophy of consumption, individualism, acquisitiveness is one of the main reasons for the formation of modern national character.
First you need to decide what is considered Russian nationality. For a long time, a Russian was considered to be one who adopted the Russian system of values, traditions, aesthetics, etc. Historically, a Russian was considered to be one who accepted Orthodoxy. Thus, a third of the Russian nobility up to October revolution was represented by the Tatars. A.S. Pushkin, his ancestors were generally dark-skinned! And this despite the fact that the poet is considered the most important Russian (!) poet, who absorbed and described Russian life, customs, and traditions of that period in the life of Russia!
And those white-haired and blue-eyed Russians, who can still be seen in Vologda and Uglich, constitute the original Slavic branch of all Russians.
National traits of Russians
In order to understand the “mysterious Russian soul,” you need to get a little acquainted with the origins of the formation of the Russian national character.
The character of Russians was formed on the basis historical conditions, geographical location of the country, space, climate and religion.
Among the national traits is the famous breadth of the Russian soul. In this regard, despite all sorts of rules and regulations that dictate moderation in giving, partners, colleagues of the opposite sex, and “vertical” employees are given gifts that are disproportionate in value. Truly on a Russian scale. It is not without reason that the gift industry is replete with expensive and pretentious gifts that are sold out for every holiday.
Main distinctive features of the Russian people are also the following:
Compassion, mercy. Today, mercy and charity are in trend (this is very Russian - to help not even for the sake of image, but simply because someone is in need and suffering...): many people and companies actively help those who are in difficulty, transferring funds to the needs of the elderly, children and even animals. They travel at their own expense to disaster sites and actively help the victims.
A German Wehrmacht soldier wrote about this feature of the Russian character when he found himself in a Russian village during the Second World War: “When I woke up, I saw a Russian girl kneeling in front of me, who was feeding me hot milk with honey from a teaspoon. I told her: “I could have killed your husband, and you are worried about me.” As we passed through other Russian villages, it became even more clear to me that it would be right to conclude peace with the Russians as quickly as possible. ...The Russians did not pay attention to my military uniform and they treated me rather in a friendly way!”
Among the best qualities of the Russian people are the interests of their family, respect for parents, and the happiness and well-being of their children.
But this is also associated with the so-called nepotism, when a manager hires his relative, who is forgiven a lot, unlike an ordinary employee, which does not have a very good effect on the performance of professional duties
Russians are characterized by an amazing quality of self-abasement and self-denial, belittling their merits. Maybe this is related to all the words that foreigners hear when they are in Russia, that they are gurus, stars, etc., but Russians seem to have nothing to do with it. Foreigners cannot understand how a people with such a rich culture and literature, a colossal territory full of riches manages to deny itself in this way. But this is due to Orthodox rule: humiliation more than pride.” Pride is considered the main mortal sin that kills the immortal soul, according to Christian beliefs.
National traits also include:
Religiosity and piety exist in the soul of even a Russian atheist.
The ability to live in moderation. Not the pursuit of wealth (that is why Russian society is confused - people do not know how to live only by wealth). At the same time, many, “hungry” in Soviet period“by import”, they strive to show off and throw money, which has already become a byword and is well known in Courchevel. This part of Russian nature is usually associated with “Asianism” and money obtained easily or unjustly.
Kindness and hospitality, responsiveness, sensitivity, compassion, forgivingness, pity, willingness to help.
openness, straightforwardness;
natural ease, simplicity in behavior (and even a fair amount of simplicity);
carelessness; humor, generosity; the inability to hate for a long time and the associated agreeableness; ease of human relationships; responsiveness, breadth of character, scope of decisions.
Wonderful creative potential (that’s why the Olympics were designed so beautifully, with the help innovative technologies). It’s not for nothing that in Russian culture there is a character called Lefty, who hooks a flea. It is known that Lefty is a right-brain person, that is, a person with creative thinking.
Russians are incredibly patient and tolerant. (see above example with a Wehrmacht soldier).
They endure until the last minute, and then they can explode. Repeating the phrase of A.S. Pushkin: “God forbid that we see a Russian revolt - senseless and merciless!”, and sometimes misinterpreting it (so in the Internet dictionary of aphorisms you can read “The Russian revolt is SCARY - senseless and merciless”), tearing it out from the context, some forget that this remark has a very informative continuation: “Those who are plotting impossible coups among us are either young and do not know our people, or they are hard-hearted people, for whom someone else’s head is half a piece, and their own neck is a penny.” “.
Negative qualities, of course, can also be noted. This is carelessness, laziness and Oblomov’s daydreaming. And, alas, drunkenness. To a certain extent this is due to climate. When there is no sun for six months, you want to warm up and don’t want to do anything. Under certain conditions, Russians know how to gather themselves, concentrate and ignore the climate in the name of an idea. Many feats of arms are confirmation. Carelessness is associated with serfdom, which almost every Russian will have to overcome. The Russian relies on “perhaps” for two reasons: hope for the master, the Tsar-Father and the “zone of risky farming,” that is, the uncertainty and unevenness of climatic conditions.
Russians are characterized by a certain gloominess. And you rarely see people with cheerful faces on the streets. This is due to the legacy of the socialist past, which had its difficulties, with the current state of affairs and, one must assume, with the harsh climate, where there is no sun for almost half the year. But in the office the situation is changing: Russians willingly communicate with people they know.
Insufficient ability to unite and self-organize suggests that a leader, ruler, etc. is definitely needed. At the same time, a man is often appointed as a leader, based on patriarchal stereotypes - a man is the best leader. However, the situation is changing, and today we can see many women in top positions.
Perhaps due to the fact that in last decades values not typical of Russian peoples were introduced - acquisitiveness, worship of the Golden Calf, Russian people, despite all the existing benefits, modern technologies, the absence of an “Iron Curtain” and opportunities, often remain (and representatives of the middle class) in a state of heightened anxiety and pessimism. Wherever Russians gather, at a festively and sumptuously laid table, there will certainly be a couple of people who will argue that “everything is bad” and “we are all going to die.”
Evidence of this is the active discussion on the forums about the Opening of the Olympics, which was wonderful. At the same time, many did not see this beauty because they were discussing corruption and how much money was spent on preparing the Olympic Games.
Russians cannot live without ideas and faith. So, in 1917, faith in God was taken away, faith in the CPSU appeared, in the 90s faith in the CPSU and the communist future was taken away, bandits, outcasts, Ivans-of-kinship-not-remembering appeared, because It became unclear what and who to believe in.
Now the situation is slowly but leveling out. Despite the eternal criticism of everyone and everything (and Orthodox Church and its servants), people turn to God and practice mercy.
Two faces of modern business society
Today the business community is divided roughly into two parts. These parts are presented like this. Directors are middle-aged and elderly, more often representatives of regions, former Komsomol members and party leaders. And young managers, with an MBA education, sometimes obtained abroad. The first ones are characterized by closedness in communication in to a greater extent, the latter are more open. The former are more often endowed with instrumental intelligence and tend to view their subordinates as cogs in a single mechanism. The latter are more characteristic emotional intellect, and they still try to delve into the problems of their employees, of course, not always.
The first category was not taught how to negotiate. At the same time, in the process of communication, some of them acquired good communication skills and were able to come to an agreement “with whoever needed” and had great connections in their environment. Some representatives of this group, on the contrary, communicated “from top to bottom,” in the usual authoritarian style, often with elements of verbal aggression.
Modern top managers have been trained in negotiation skills and continue their training after completing the basic course. But at the same time, “...It’s rare that foreigners who get into top positions in Russian companies last more than a year” (SmartMoney Weekly No. 30 (120) August 18, 2008).
What is the reason? The point is that, despite European education young top managers are carriers of the domestic mentality.
The authoritarian management style is “imbibed with mother’s milk”; profanity may be heard at meetings and on the sidelines. This type was demonstrated by Nikita Kozlovsky in the film “DUKHLESS”. His hero has all the characteristics.
By the way, both the first and second are introverted. The latter may be completely immersed in the world of gadgets and prefer communication through communication devices.
Knowing these features, you can draw conclusions on how to adapt to communicating with Russians.
So, you have to understand that ambitious “red directors” need to be treated with great respect, like a gentleman during the times of serfdom, and young top managers - too, but at the same time understand that they are more democratic in communication. And yet they will prefer communications via the Internet.
Russian etiquette - sometimes meaningless and merciless
Despite all the kindness, generosity, and tolerance, the manners of Russians leave much to be desired, because... the Russians are the successors Soviet people, who for a long time was taught that “bourgeois” is bad. It's ingrained into my subconscious. Therefore, sometimes you can observe the manifestation of not very correct behavior.
For example, at the Closing Ceremony of the 22nd Olympic Games, when the champion was awarded a medal on a ribbon and had to be hung around his neck, the athlete did not think to take off his hat, although during the anthem he put his right hand to his heart. IN special occasions Men need to remove their hats.
Once the author observed a situation also related to hats in another city. After a seminar on business etiquette and a conversation about what to do and what not to do, two participants stood up without warning, put on large caps right in the training room and left the room.
According to the rules of European and Russian etiquette, indoors and, especially, at the table, he takes off his headdress. Exceptions: artists who claim a certain image, and representatives of faiths where it is customary to always wear a turban or turban.
If a foreigner leans back in his chair, this may mean that he expects to relax and/or end the conversation. For Russians, the way of sitting, leaning back on a chair is the basic state. Only athletic and/or well-mannered people in Russia sit without leaning against the back of a chair (if the chair is traditional and not ergonomic), while the rest sit as they please, demonstrating many of their complexes and basic attitudes.
Russians are not used to standing elegantly, they may try to accept closed pose and/or trample on the spot.
The view of a Russian person depends on the situation. If this is a leader, then he can look, literally without blinking, with a prickly gaze into the face of his interlocutor, especially a subordinate, or quite benevolently if in front of him is his acquaintance or relative. Of course, intelligent and well-mannered people “wear” a friendly facial expression.
Anxiety and tension are indicated by a transverse vertical fold between the eyebrows, which gives a stern, unattainable appearance, which can somewhat interfere with contact. It’s interesting that in our country such a fold can be seen even in very young girls.
When a lady approaches a colleague sitting on a chair, he does not always think to sit up, but at the same time he can, with an elegant gesture, invite her to enter the elevator, which is wrong, because Either the man or the one standing closest enters the elevator first.
Features of communication in Russia
Communication in our country has its own specifics:
- ungraciousness, poor manners, projective thinking (projection - the tendency to consider others similar to oneself); stiffness or looseness instead of free communication; gloomy facial expression; inability/unwillingness to give an answer and feedback, conflict, inability to have a “small conversation” and listen.
In informal (and sometimes formal) communication, the wrong thematic choice of conversation is often preferred (about politics, problems, illnesses, private affairs, etc.). At the same time, we have to admit that women more often talk about “everyday life” and their personal lives (relationships with parents, husbands, children, while men talk about politics and the future, and more often in gloomy tones.
In Russia, there is a wide range in the nature of communication - from a gloomy style to a feigned positive style, which came back in the 90s and was “copied” from communication models in the United States.
Along with other factors, inability to communicate in general lowers the personal image of many compatriots, the level of corporate culture and the image of the company as a whole.
Errors and main misconceptions in communication in Russia
The main mistakes and misconceptions in Russia include the opinion of the average employee, which still exists in some cases, that the guest owes him something and is obliged to do something: leave a lot of money, purchase an expensive tourist product, order luxurious dishes to the room, etc.
This is based on an irrational psychological attitude called “obligation” (a person believes that everyone owes him something, and when this does not happen, he is very offended) and affects communication in the most direct way. If hopes that a colleague, partner, or customer are not justified, and the interlocutor behaves as he does, then the Russian clerk may experience disappointment and even express his irritation.
A common misconception is also an unkind attitude and, accordingly, communication with a guest who is untenable, from the point of view of an employee.
What influences communication style. Past and modern.
On modern style communication affects:
- the huge flow of information that faces modern man;
— multiple contacts, open borders of countries and the associated willingness to travel, tourism of all types;
— new technologies, primarily online communication, which sets a certain communication style, fragmented perception of the world, “clip” thinking”;
— enormous speeds and rhythms of life;
- globalization, and the associated processes of interpenetration of languages, speech and communication styles.
Reasons for developing communication skills in Russia.
Historical past, serfdom, political regime, climate and distances, mental duality (duality) - “black” and “white” in one person, geographical borders of Russia, paternalistic (that is, when the ruler is like a father) management culture.
As a result, the formed national character encourages communication that is not associated with courtesy, openness, etc.
This manifests itself, for example, in an internal reluctance to say one’s name on the phone. Although after training they learn this.
Why is it so difficult in Russia to say your name on the phone?
An example of insufficient communicative competence is the low willingness of compatriots to give their name on the phone. This is due to the historical mentality and habits of Russians. And this may happen because
— previously the staff were not trained in business communication, courtesy, etc.
- it has been proven that the lower the social status person, the more difficult it is to introduce yourself.
- it is more difficult for a person from more distant from the centers to introduce himself by name to a stranger.
— For many decades, Soviet people were accustomed not to demonstrate themselves, to be secretive. This is due to the political regime that existed in the USSR for a long time.
— The archetypal memory, the collective unconscious, “works.”
- Some mystical ideas (for example, in pre-Christian Rus' there were ideas that one could jinx one by name and therefore amulets were hung around the neck - a bear's claw, etc.)
Centers and regions
Speaking of modern Russian society one cannot fail to mention the constant confrontation between central cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg...) and regions, which is due to the fact that Moscow is always in Soviet time was replenished with products that were not available in all regions of the Russian Federation. During the period of stagnation, there were so-called “sausage trains”. People came from other cities of Russia and from the Moscow region to buy scarce products, including sausage
The first consider the inhabitants of the provinces to be not very well-mannered, sometimes cheeky, and that “they walk over corpses,” without taking anything into account.
There is even such a thing as “life outside the Moscow Ring Road,” that is, outside of Moscow. Starting from the nearest regional cities and places, life really seems to freeze and remains unchanged for a long time. Innovations come here with some delay.
At the same time, the regionals consider Muscovites, on the one hand, arrogant and rich, despite the fact that the true native residents of the capital in this generation are quite calm and friendly people, on the other hand, as “suckers” and “blunderers” who can easily be outpaced in in many directions.
And if Muscovites can look condescendingly but tolerantly at newcomers, then regional residents, even having settled in the capital, cannot always accept the lifestyle and mentality of a Muscovite, and, sometimes, they may even experience residual complexes, saying in a conversation with a native resident something like : “Is it okay that I’m not a Muscovite?” or: “Here you are, Muscovites!” The latter have to prove the “presumption of innocence” in the inadequate distribution system that took place during the years of the USSR.
Now the appearance, the face of the city is changing, and the style and morals of the inhabitants of the metropolis are also changing.
Bulat Okudzhava
Ch. Amirejibi
I was evicted from Arbat, an Arbat emigrant.
In Bezbozhny Lane my talent is withering away.
There are strange faces and hostile places all around.
Although the sauna is opposite, the fauna is not the same.
I was evicted from Arbat and deprived of my past,
and my face is not scary to strangers, but funny.
I am expelled, lost among other people's destinies,
and my sweet, my emigrant bread is bitter to me.
Without a passport or visa, just with a rose in hand
I wander along the invisible border on the castle,
and to those lands I once inhabited,
I keep looking, looking, looking.
There are the same sidewalks, trees and courtyards,
but the speeches are unhearted and the feasts are cold.
The thick colors of winter also blaze there,
but the invaders come to my pet store.
A master's gait, arrogant lips...
Ah, the flora there is still the same, but the fauna is not the same...
I am an emigrant from Arbat. I live, bearing my cross...
The rose froze and flew all over.
And, despite some confrontation - open or secret - at a difficult historical moment, Russians unite and become a united people.
Men and women
Russian men who serve in companies and do not work on construction sites are distinguished by gallant behavior: they will open the door for a lady, let them go ahead, and pay the bill in a restaurant. Sometimes even regardless of official chain of command. Should you hold the door for a lady? Should I give her a coat?
Until now, expert opinions are contradictory, and in each case it helps to understand the moment and intuition. According to American rules business etiquette: Under no circumstances should you hold the door and hand a coat to a lady colleague. But we live in Russia.
Women in Russia have a combination of femininity and homeliness, they are well-groomed, businesslike and very active. In Moscow, every second or third lady drives. Modesty in her traditional meaning seems to be a thing of the past.
At the same time, women continue to love it when office men look after them: hand them coats, etc. So foreigners who advocate emancipation, having arrived in Russia, will have to wait with their advice.
On the one hand, gallantry is pleasant, on the other, in Russia, as in many countries, there is a glass ceiling for women. And they prefer to hire men for leadership positions. Both men and women.
Traditional stereotypes are that a woman cannot think logically, is a weak leader, and will be disturbed by her family.
Moreover, if a woman occupies a leadership position, then she is a “real bitch”, “a man in a skirt” and walks over corpses...
In a mixed team, where both men and women work, there are office romances. Traditionally, the public takes the man’s side, so in some cases it is better not to take risks and not start an unnecessary relationship.
Women's groups have their own specifics. While some employee is doing well, others may sometimes feel envy. Therefore, it is better to try not to excite her by dressing, say, too brightly or stylishly. Moreover, if a misfortune befalls an employee, everyone unites and begins to provide her with all possible assistance: financial, organizational, etc.
According to the rules of etiquette, it is not pleasant to talk about illnesses and family matters At work. However, this rule is violated, especially in the women's team. And woe to the secretary who, in response to her boss’s confidential stories, began to share her problems. It can come back to haunt you harshly.
Men and women in Russia look different.
Clothing, dress code
In order to climb the career ladder, some men try to dress elegantly, and even purchase suits from famous brands. These are mostly top managers and ambitious yuppies.
Another part of men is socially lower and has a lower educational level. This probably has something to do with the way I wear a black top and jeans on any day. The subway can be dark because of such clothes. Black jackets, black pullovers, sometimes black shirts (for negotiations, for which it is customary to wear light shirts) in combination with a black tie.
Interestingly, as soon as the slightest opportunity is presented not to wear a good one, stylish suit Like the Italians or the French, Russian men instantly put on the “black style”. This is usually explained by the fact that it is “non-marking”. In fact, the desire to “hide” behind the color black would say a lot to social psychologists...
There is a special demographic situation in Russia: there are significantly more women than men. And, if earlier you had to be wary of harassment directed at a woman, now in Russia, due to natural competition, there is a “hunt” for accomplished men. Therefore, women resort to various tricks just to get a successful husband: neckline, mini, false nails, which does not meet corporate standards, but at the same time “promotes” the lady on the local “marriage market”. This comes as no surprise.
Both of them violate the dress code, which at the same time today has become softer and more democratic. And employers do not require ladies to wear a strict “sheath” suit, which was previously necessary.
Negotiations and reception of delegations
Much has been written about the rules of business negotiations on the pages of our magazine.
Russian negotiators: perceive the interlocutor as an adversary, treat him with suspicion and some hostility, consider it necessary to hide certain data (opacity allows many things to be done).
Local “princelings” have ambitions. Russian negotiators think that their city or region is the best. And, what’s worse, they try to “knock out” all sorts of preferences for themselves during negotiations, which most often go not for the development of territories, but into their own pockets. At the same time, at the local level, federal authorities often pose the most serious obstacle to innovative development territories.
At the same time there is very positive examples development of territories. Thus, Alexander Vasilievich Filipenko is considered the pride of Siberia, former head Administration of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, which glorified the region with innovations and amazing projects aimed at the improvement and development of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The International Biathlon Center is named in his honor.
Specifics of negotiations
Speaking loudly without taking into account the other party's mannerisms can also derail negotiations.
Rigidity, i.e. hardness, inactivity, inadaptability in negotiations. No concessions.
Overt manipulation, when they try to “drive the interlocutor into a corner”
Inadequate appearance(either jeans with a black pullover, or a very smart suit.
Reluctance to take responsibility, attempts to avoid a serious conversation.
Ignorance and not a strong desire to learn the national characteristics of representatives of the other side and the rules of good manners (they may take off their jacket at the wrong time, at the beginning of negotiations, or slap them on the shoulder)
Unfulfilled promises and careless paperwork complete the list.
Unpleasant hints of bribes (in the case of compatriots), so-called kickbacks.
Pleasing trends. Some Russian local leaders are building roads and hospitals at their own expense. Isn't this Russian?.. After all, generosity and charity have always been on Russian soil.
When a delegation is expected in an organization or company, everyone strives to prepare in the best possible way.
Hospitality.
But if in modern companies young managers, with all their democracy, can even reach the point of some familiarity in communication (this is expressed in carelessness of address, the truncated name “Tatyan” instead of “Tatyana”, in ignoring the senior-junior positions, some even carelessness in communication, strange Business Cards), then in organizations with a traditional culture, ceremony, sedateness, and adherence to the rules of behavior adopted when receiving delegations are more honored. There is a protocol department that organizes receptions, delegations, meetings, and events.
Feast
In Russia it is accompanied by abundant eating and drinking wine. Only in diplomatic circles can only two snacks be served for “Breakfast” or “Lunch”. If you don’t serve too many treats at a corporate party, this may be perceived with surprise, if not offense. Russians at corporate parties eat generously, drink a lot and sometimes dance, but more often they prefer to break into groups and have a heart-to-heart talk.
Etiquette is not always observed, because why observe it if everyone has become friends and almost relatives at that moment?..
It is very important to control yourself at such moments, because office romances that begin at events quickly pass, and the words spoken about a leader under the influence of strong drinks are, “Not a sparrow. If it flies out, you won’t catch it.”
Greetings, address
After the October Revolution, the boundaries of communication between the sexes were erased and the address “comrade” and “comrade” appeared in everyday life, addressed to both men and women.
After Perestroika, when capitalism began to enter Russia, experts in the field of the Russian language tried to introduce into speech the addresses “master”, “madam”, “sir”, “madam”. Sometimes at pretentious corporate events you can hear “Mr. Ivanov”, “Mrs. Petrova”, but more often at the moment when they are spoken about in the third person.
When contacting directly, you have to find an option that is acceptable and convenient for both. So, in Russia an older person is addressed by his first name and patronymic, of course, with “you”; a younger person is addressed by his first name. At the same time, the practice of addressing even older people by name has become a practice (depending on the corporate style). This style came from the USA.
Particularly important today is the issue of switching to “You”. The initiator of such an appeal Maybe Only a higher-ranking person, only a client, only an older person, and in an equal situation, only a woman, can speak. Everything else is a violation of the rules of etiquette.
At the same time, in Russia “you” is heard all the time, especially on highways, where drivers seem to completely forget about the existence of the pronoun “you.”
Nowadays, as an initial address you can hear “respected” in relation to a man or “lady” said to a woman. Or the impersonal: “Would you be kind?”, “Can you tell me?”
Smile.
It should be noted that the traditional unsmiling and gloomy facial expression by which Russians are recognized throughout the world are associated with sincere desire appear serious.
Russians smile willingly. But only when meeting friends. Therefore, foreigners could be philosophical about the fact that on the streets they will meet many people who walk with the most negative expression on their faces, with furrowed eyebrows. Obviously, the climate influenced this style. This is also due to the fact that Russians are characterized by a certain closedness, despite the fact that there is a proverb “Death is fair in the world!” Some actors are very reserved in life. But Russians will smile widely and sincerely at their acquaintances and friends. It’s just that in the minds of a Russian person, smiling and laughter are close in meaning, and “Laughter for no reason is a sign of a fool.”
Guests can come not only from abroad, but also from other regions
Forewarned is forearmed. In order to be well prepared for contact with representatives of a particular national culture, in this case modern Russians, it is important to study their customs and traditions, features and possible differences. If you know what certain traditions are associated with, this will make it possible to adapt in relation to partners and visitors, establish the correct style and intonation in communication with them, which will ultimately allow you to establish long-term business relationships. Knowledge of morals, characteristics, traditions will ultimately give a tolerant approach, which in turn will give understanding and create spiritual comfort and loyalty towards, in this case, the Russian people and their mysterious soul.
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- Paternalism ( lat. paternus - paternal, paternal) - a system of relations based on patronage,guardianship and control by seniors of juniors (wards), as well as subordination of juniors to seniors.
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Irina Denisova, member of the Council, coordinator of the “Personal Marketing” club, “Communications” workshop of the Guild of Marketers
This article was published in the paper business publication “Directory of the Secretary and Office Manager”, No. 4 2014. Please respect copyright and refer to the author and publication when reprinting. Published in the author's edition. - I.D.
How is it that a famous person who had fame, honor, money in life, who could afford, if not everything, then a lot, found himself in the face of such a formidable danger - a serious illness. Dreams of happiness, love, career, illness erases like an eraser, written in pencil. How was he able to survive, defeat the disease, and recover?
Of course, when a celebrity is diagnosed with a disease, everything is at his service, the best clinics, doctors, modern treatment methods. But the main thing in order to defeat the disease is willpower, which does not allow you to fall into despair and boundless faith in yourself, that you can defeat the disease.
Celebrities of past centuries who defeated the disease
Famous writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra while serving in the army, lost in battle left hand, in addition, four years later he was captured, and for five years he experienced all the hardships of captivity. And yet, these misfortunes did not break him, but only strengthened his will and desire to live a full life. A few years later, he not only returned to normal life, but also became a famous writer. His novel “The Cunning Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha” is known throughout the world.
“For a person with talent and love for work, there are no barriers,” asserted Ludwig van Beethoven. This statement says everything about the character and will of the great composer. Already at the age of 26, due to illness, Beethoven began to lose his hearing, and after a short time he became completely deaf. Having heard almost nothing, he composed “ Moonlight Sonata", which is admired even by those who are far from classical music. And he wrote all his subsequent works while completely deaf. He said, “music sounds inside me, and I hear it.” Moreover, during the concert, when his famous 9th symphony was played, the deaf composer himself conducted the orchestra.
“The only obstacle to the implementation of our plans for tomorrow may be our doubts today,” this is a statement by one of the greatest presidents of the United States of America Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When he turned 39 years old, he received a serious illness - polio. At that time, medicine could not help cure this disease, but Franklin still did not give up and hoped, if not for a cure, then for an improvement in the condition.
He tried to at least maintain mobility, torturing himself with uncomfortable orthopedic devices and using crutches. He never complained, did not want his condition to cause offensive pity in people. What else, if not courage, the desire to benefit his country, allowed a man confined to a wheelchair to win the election and become the President of America. Roosevelt led the country during its difficult period, during the Second World War. He was one of the most respected presidents of America, his decisions were wise and far-sighted, and the patience and courage with which he endured his illness aroused the admiration of not only his friends, but also his enemies.
Ray Charles- American musical legend, at the age of 7 he became completely blind, and at 15 he lost his mother. The blind boy was in many ways completely dependent on his mother, who was his bridge with the outside world, and when she was gone, he long time seemed to have fallen out of life, could not speak, sleep, eat, it seemed that he was going crazy. “I realized,” the musician later recalls, “that having survived this tragedy and not breaking down, I can now cope with anything.” When Ray turned 17, his music, singles in the style of soul and jazz, were already heard everywhere in the country. He gained well-deserved popularity and his musical works were even included in the US Library of Congress. After his death, he was included in the list of the hundred greatest musicians in the world.
Celebrities of our time who have overcome the disease
Football celebrity and sports sex symbol David Beckham has had asthma since childhood. But the general public and his fans learned about this only in 2009, and then, by chance, a photograph of a football player with an inhaler in his hand was published in the magazine. This serious illness not only does not prevent the celebrity from leading ordinary life, but could not prevent him from achieving such high results in football. David told reporters briefly and expressively about his illness: “Yes, I have had asthma for many years. I didn’t talk about it because there was no reason. What is there to talk about here anyway?” After these words, there’s really nothing to add, just such a sober and calm attitude towards your illness.
Here's another great sports celebrity, a famous cyclist. Lance Armstrong, who was diagnosed with advanced cancer in 1996 and already had metastases to other organs. Probably, sport teaches you to fight even in the most hopeless situations, Lance did not give in to the disease, he agreed to the proposed, very risky, treatment method with unpredictable results and possible side effects, and defeated the disease. Now the sports celebrity is back on his two-wheeled horse and, in addition, he founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation to support and help cancer patients.
The famous American actor Roberta De Niro Cancer was discovered when he turned 60. But the actor did not fall into despair; he firmly believed in recovery and in the continuation of his acting career. He underwent surgery and, precisely thanks to the will of the actor and the desire to fully recover, recovery after the operation was very fast. Now hollywood celebrity Absolutely healthy, his creative life continues, after recovery he has already starred in several films.
World-famous "guru of optimism" Nick Vujicic, in general, was born without arms and without legs. He could have spent his entire life in a wheelchair, but Nick's extraordinary willpower made his life more than just a life normal person, but a very happy and successful man. Now he is 33 years old, he is a millionaire, the author of five books, the director of two companies, has a beautiful wife and two sons, and outwardly, he is a very charming man who constantly radiates optimism. Nick Vujicic writes books, sings beautifully, swims, surfs, plays golf, and travels the world. Looking at him, you understand that he is a strong-willed person, even with disabilities, can make your life happy and successful.
Russian celebrities who defeated the disease
Who hasn't read the detective stories of the Russian writer? Daria Dontsova, it is difficult to imagine that this fragile blond woman suffered terrible, in many cases, incurable disease. She didn’t just endure it, she won, and it was during the treatment period that she began to write. Breast cancer is in the last, fourth stage, the doctors’ verdict was harsh - “you have three to four months left to live.” Even in this hopeless situation she didn't give up. And endless chemotherapy procedures and a series of operations followed. “I probably started writing so as not to go crazy,” the writer recalls about that time. Having conquered the disease, even by the fact of its recovery, it gives hope for life to such patients. Dontsova claims that cancer is not the end, you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and start being treated, cancer can be treated.
Russian television celebrity, well-known to TV viewers, former permanent presenter of the Morning Mail program. Yuri Nikolaev I fought cancer for several years and won. “I recovered because throughout all the years of treatment I did not give in to despair, but fought. God helped me with this; I am a deeply religious person.” Now Yuri Nikolaev successfully continues his television activities, participating in the programs “Property of the Republic” and “In Our Time.”
Another Russian celebrity, journalist and TV presenter Vladimir Pozner twenty years ago I suffered from cancer. Posner is deeply convinced that people who have overcome a disease, even one as terrible as cancer, have overcome it thanks to their willpower, courage and faith that they can overcome everything and win. “In addition, I was very supported by the faith in me of my family and friends. They didn’t doubt for a minute that the disease would recede and I would make a full recovery,” says the journalist. In 2013, Vladimir Pozner became an ambassador of the international program “Together against Cancer”.
