CC BY
40
Literature: Historic and Contemporary
УДК (UDC) 82-9
Yang Mingtian, Dr., Professor, Doctoral supervisor, Shanghai International Studies University,
Shanghai, China
ИДЕИ CM. СОЛОВЬЕВА О РУССКОМ ХАРАКТЕРЕ S.M. SOLOVYOV'S IDEA ABOUT RUSSIAN CHARACTERISTICS
Abstract
In China investigation on Russian characteristics refers to an extensive literature regarding natural conditions. Almost no one mentioned Solovyov's contribution (Sergei Mikhaylovich Solovyov, 1820-1879) in this field except for a few scholars who have mentioned the points from Klyuchevsky's contribution (Vasily Klyuchevsky, 1841-1911, Solovyov's student). Solovyov's pioneering study should be mentioned when we discuss the impact of natural conditions on Russian national characteristics.
These characteristics of ancient Russian people, which Solovyov summarized according to the natural conditions and historical records, have been explained and confirmed. Solovyov's interpretation, starting from the natural conditions and historical facts, and adhering to the basic point of view of the development, according to the principles of the Dialectic, is worthy of further attention. Some of the conclusions he obtained have a certain logic. Solovyov did not examine the problems of the productive forces and relationship of production in these are as, and his ideological trends were objective idealism. Nevertheless, the causes of some of the features of the Russian people he tried to explain not from the view of Destiny, but from the natural conditions, emphasize the impact of natural conditions on the ancestors, which is reasonable.
When Solovyov studied the phenomenon of national history, he focused on the universal laws of human life. His explanation was based on the philosophy of history. Solovyov's writings explained the characteristics of the Russian people. These were identified by the historian in view of natural conditions and historical facts. Compared to such surveys in philosophical reflection, sociology or psychology, his conclusions are credible. That is reason for rereading Solovyov's writings today.
Keyword: S.M.Solovyov, Russia, characteristics.
Introduction
Sergei Mikhaylovich Solovyov (1820-79) was a Russian historian, whose major work was "The History of Russia from the Earliest Times'" (1-29 volumes, 1851-79). He was "the founder of Russian historical science in bourgeois genre." Acknowledging the law of historical development, the accumulation of actual materials, taking scientific critical attitude to historical documents, these were his contribution to the science of history, but he explained the course of history from the idealist stance. In his books, political history was primary, state power was seen as the major factor in the development of history. He did not admit to the role of the public, the class struggles in the course of history, however, he supported the bourgeois reform ..."1
Solovyov thought that some of the common features of Russia summed up the development model of Russian history. Much of his thought, when Solovyov first made it known to public, was new, and later (after 1879) was quickly accepted by social consciousness.2 Solovyov "using the method of the Russian history science in the first half of the 19th century, tried to solve research tasks, he first of all looked again at all the historical materials of the Russian people from the middle of the 9th century to the 1770s, linked the scattered fragments of historical documents with a unified idea, so that people could see the complete events in Russian history."3 The philosophical basis of the unity of thinking — a contradictory unity of opposites and development was deeply influenced by Hegelian (1770-1831) dialectics,4 Herodotus' (about 490-480 B.C. to 425 B.C.) theory, showing that geographical environment affected human society.
Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) once said, reading Solovyov's material-rich historical works, you can understand the psychology of the Russian people and Russian intellectuals.5 Let us put aside the historical data, and look at some of Solovyov's general views, for example: the impact of the natural conditions on the Russian historical process; the ancient Russian way of life of the upper class; the spread of Christianity and the role of education; the characteristiccs of the residents of ancient North and South Russia, etc. Much of our domestic literature that explores the Russian national characteristics has generally involved natural conditions. Beyond some of the points mentioned Klyuchevsky's idea (Solovyov's student, 1841-1911), less literature addresses Solovyov's contribution in the field. Discussing the impact of the natural conditions on the Russian national characteristics, Solovyov's pioneering study cannot fail to be mentioned. The content of these aspects can help students to learn about Russia, to grasp some of the common features of the Russian people, and to understand some of the content of the Russian national character.
1 Lib_m-K^accma Добролюбов Николай Александрович_ Учебная книга русской истории.тЫ (Nikolay Dobrolyubov Aleksandrovic, Educational Book of Russian history)
2 Lib_ru-Knaccma Ключевский Василий Осипович_ Сергей Михайлович Соловьев.тЫ (Vasily Klyuchevsky Osipovic, Sergey Mikhailovich Solovyov)
3 Lib_ru-Kлассика Ключевский Василий Осипович_ Памяти С_ M_ Соловьева.тЫ (Vasily Klyuchevsky Osipovic, Solovyov 's memory)
4 Lib_ru-Kлассика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ С_ С_ Дмитриев_ Соловьев — человек, историк.тЫ (Dmitriev, Solovyov - a man, historian)
5 As above.
Understanding the history of the people, we also know what kind of people they are.6 "History first of all is the science of self-awareness of the people. For the population the best way of understanding themselves is to get to know others, and compare themselves with them."7 "In history we cannot directly observe phenomena; we watch with someone else's eyes, listen with the ears of others. Carefully studying the external nature clarifies the impact of this nature on human life, the impact on human society, but this is just one aspect of things, limited to this, indulged in this, it is harmful for science."8 The subjectivity of the researcher makes him search in the history for the things "that he just needs, not to pay attention to many other aspects, the resulting one-sidedness of his views is not intentional."9 It is clear that Solovyov's understanding of his own views is quite objective.
I. The metaphor of "Mother Nature"
Solovyov accepted Herodotus' viewpoint, the thought that the course of events (history) is always subject to the constraints of the natural conditions.10 Russian natural conditions and its impact are as follows:
The main territory of activities of the ancestors of the Slavs was a vast area from the White Sea to the Black Sea, from the Baltic to Caspia Sea. There were no compelling heights on this vast plain, there was no obvious transition zone. The monotony of natural forms weakened the interdependence between regions, so that the residents engaged in repetitive activities, the result of which was a repetitive fashion and faith; similar habits and beliefs eliminated hostile conflicts between residents; similar requirements required the same means.
Herodotus also pointed out that a large number of rivers of eastern European plain constituted a big net, it irrigated the plain. Its residents could not avoid this water system in order to maintain an independent life. In general, the rivers were the wizard of the ancestors, the tribes lived along the rivers, and the first castles were built at the banks of the rivers. Big rivers flowed to the east or south-east, which also defined the main direction of development of the Russian national geography, and promoted the unity of the people and nations.
Solovyov came to this conclusion:no matter how wide was the plain, no matter how many different races its residents attached to it. The plain would eventually become a country's territory. That was why the Russian national territory was so large,its individual components were monotonous and there was close contact between these parts.
6 Lib_ru - Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович -Взгляд на историю установления государственного порядка в России до Петра Великого.тМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic, View of history of the State order in Russia before Peter the great)
7 Lib_ru- Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Наблюдения над исторической жизнью народов.тМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic, Observations on the historical life of people)
8 As above
9 As above
10 Lib_ru- Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Взгляд на историю установления государственного порядка в России до Петра Великого.тЫ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic, View of history of the State Order in Russia before Peter the Great)
Solovyov had the following views about the impact of the nature on history:
(A) Nature: the biological mother and stepmother
For inhabitants, nature has a dual role to promote or to constrain their historical development. Solovyov thought that if nature played a catalytic role in the historical development of the residents, then the nature for citizens was as the biological mother; if the nature constrained the historical development of the population, such a nature was unfair to the residents as the stepmother. Solovyov described nature in this biological mother and stepmother opposition.11 Solovyov's main idea is as follows:
Judging from the map of Europe, there were significant differences between the eastern and western parts. In the west, the land was scattered, islands and peninsula coexisted, there was a range of mountains, the people and the states were not of the same; there was only one country in the eastern part of the vast plain. If social life wanted a rapid development, it needed favorable natural conditions, such as the nearness to the ocean, a long coastline, appropriate national geographic size, convenient natural traffic, suitable climatic conditions, and so on. In contrast to Western Europe, Eastern Europe did not have these characteristics. Nature to Western Europe and its citizens was the biological mother; nature to Eastern Europe, to its citizens was the stepmother.
Looking back the history of the development of Europe, the superior natural conditions made great contribution to the development of early civilizations and achievements. In the history of the expansion of the European civilization, it was universal acknowledged that due to the instructions of the nature, civilization developed gradually from the west to the east, because of the most favorable conditions for the development of early civilizations in the west, farther to the east, and such favorable conditions became less. In the process of continuous struggle between Eastern Europe and Asia, the development of Western Europe surpassed Eastern Europe.
Solovyov confirmed that nature to Western Europe was the biological mother; to the Eastern Europe it was the stepmother. In Western Europe, it promoted the development of civilization. However in Eastern Europe, it hindered the development of civilization. The reason why the Russian people understood Greek and Rome culture, boarded the stage of history later than Western people was that Russia lay near Asian nomads who continued to fight with each other.
On the role of the natural conditions, Solovyov also talked about a European mountain and forest opposition, the Russian forest and steppe opposition. He clearly expressed the restrictive action of the natural environment.
(B)Mountain and forest12
Solovyov thought that differences in natural conditions between Eastern and Western Europe were reflected in Russia and Western Europe historical differences. Western Europe was mainly
11 С.М.Соловьев-История России с древнейших времен. Том 13. Глава 1. Россия перед эпохою преобразования.тЫ (Solovyov: History of Russia from Earliest Times, Volume 13, Chapter 1, Russia before era of conversion.)
12 Lib_ru- Классика Безобразов Павел Владимирович_ Сергей Соловьев_ Его жизнь и научно-литературная деятельность.тЫ (Bezobrazov Pavel Vladimirovic, Sergey Solovyov: His life and scientific and literary activity)
composed of rocks; Eastern Europe was mainly composed of forests.Western Europe was divided into many countries by mountains. Western statesmen built homes with stones, and thus controlled people; mountains gave them some independence. However, people would soon be isolated by stones, they were free and independent. Because of the mountains, everything was firmly established; because of the mountains there appeared the artificial mountains, grand eternal buildings. There were no stones on the East European Plain, it was flat and boundless, and consequently there was no ethnic diversity. There arose a hitherto unknown country. In this state, there was no place for statesmen to build their homes with stones, their life was not isolated. They founded the "guard," living in the surrounding of grand dukes, conquered and moved in the vast space. They were not closely related with the castle. There was no sharp distinction in geographical diversity, no influence on the character of local residents. To the residents, nature did not show such features, so that they thought being forced to leave one's hometown was very hard, and it could not be accepted. It was not difficult to give up the intergenerational transmission of habitation. The castle was log cabin structure, if the sparks flew, after the fire, it was ashes. However, the disaster was not serious: people's estates were not numerous; they were easy to be carried away, building materials were cheap, to build a new house was inexpensive. Ancient Russian, in order to avoid the enemy or heavy taxes, was very easy to run away from home, wandering alone. It was the same Russ everywhere. Residents formed the life habit — each pursues his ongoing journey, the government tried to catch them, so that they settled down.
We think that Solovyov's explanations, considering the natural conditions, social life and so on, are fairly comprehensive. Although he did not use terminology such as productivity, relations of production, readers can be aware of these factors in his narrative. Solovyov then explained the guard's characteristics, and he had always emphasized "movement," his study contributed to our understanding about Russians in characteristics such as: the pursuit of spiritual freedom, drift, etc.13 What Solovyov said can be seen as the original source, the material basis of the above characteristics. The interpretation of Russian features in the later stages is interesting. Some commentators have pointed out that the Russians like roaming and this aspect of characteristic is more impacted by Asian nomads.14 After reading Solovyov's arguments, we think that this view is worth discussing.
(C) Forest and steppe15
In view of the situation in Russia, Solovyov saw the forest and steppe opposition. He used this natural difference to explain different phenomena in the history of Russia. He concluded:
In Russia, forest and steppe, both forms had a dominant position. They were adjacent to each other, contradictory, generating historical differences between Russian forest dwellers and steppe dwellers. The steppe was initially nomadic people's dwelling, ancient Russ, built on the steppe boundary, fought with them at the very beginning of its history. Ancient Russ was looted by
13 Бердяев Николай_ Судьба России.Мш (Berdyaev Nikolaj, Fate of Russia)
2005 ^Ш№.Ш68Ж„ (Rong Jie. Russia national character and culture, Russia, Central Asia and East Europe studies, 2005, 1st, p. 68)
15 Llb_ru-Классика Безобразов Павел Владимирович_ Сергей Соловьев_ Его жизнь и научно-литературная деятельность.шМ (Bezobrazov Pavel Vladimirovic, Sergey Solovyov: His life and scientific-literary activity) 12
Polovtsy (Половцы, 11th - 13th century).16 Tatars eventually made Ancient Russ thoroughly collapse. Firm order, the functioning of the state, by which they could fight with steppe residents, could be consolidated and established only far away from the steppes, in the north, at the other side of the forest, for nomadic people inconvenient to reach. The forest side formed by Moscow as the center of the country soon expanded into the steppe. The steppe border had been the subject of steppe neighbors' hazards. In ancient Russ the inhabitants' major venues of activities, their capital, was just at the border. The country with Moscow as the center continued to struggle with steppe residents, and when nomadic khanates were weakened, the struggle was not terminated: on the steppe there appeared a special population — the Cossacks.17 The struggle between ancient Russia and Cossacks, judged by the natural forms, was the conflict of forest and steppe, which was especially clear in the troubled period of Russian history (Late 16th century and early 17th century),18 and thereafter in the activities of Cossacks. Russia, then, according to the spirit and character of the residents, was divided into northern (sedentary farming) and southern (steppe frontier, the Cossack) residents. The steppe formed stray indulgence, the original Cossack lifestyle. The forest was more limiting, it made people steadily settle down, engage in farming. The farmers were different from the free Cossacks.
The above-mentioned points concern Solovyov's oppositions: the natural mother and the stepmother, mountain and forest, as well as the Russian forest and steppe portion. Solovyov's student Klyuchevsky talking about the affection of forest, steppe and rivers on Russian history and the people, had a similar continuous line of description. But he reminded that at this time one should be careful to avoid personal feelings. He observed the style and the features of folk buildings, combining with the historical facts; his view can be seen as the complement and confirmation of Solovyov's related perceptions.19 Reading the articles of some scholars now, we feel Klyuchevsky's reminder is not outdated.20
Of course, we do not think that Solovyov's view is fully correct. For example, he believed that the Asian civilization had no influence on European civilization. Some of his views are extremely emotional. Our main purpose is to understand the self-consciousness of the Russian people, to learn something about their mindset and mental aspects. The development of Solovyov's "Mother Nature" view is the emergence of the saying "the mother the history," he made sure that the path of
16 Прохоров А. М. Российский энциклопедический словарь. М. «Большая Российская энциклопедия», 2001. С. 1220 (A. M. Prokhorov, Russian encyclopedic dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p. 1220)
17 В.О. Ключевский. Курс русской истории. Лекция 45.mht (V. O. Klyuchevsky: The Course of Russian History, Lecture 45)
18 Прохоров А. М. Российский энциклопедический словарь. М. «Большая Российская энциклопедия», 2001. С. 1458 (A. M. Prokhorov, Russian encyclopedic dictionary. M. Great Russian encyclopedia, 2001. p. 1458)
19 В_О_Ключевский_ Курс русской истории.Мш (V. O. Klyuchevsky: The course of Russian history)
85^o (Song Ruizhi, Song Jiahong. On the effects of geographical environment on the Russia national character, Journal of Hubei University (Philosophy and Social Science Edition), 2001, 1st. p. 82-85.)
development of the Russian people — history, was also known as the "stepmother". For Solovyov there are some features in the development of Russian history with two different directions.21
II.The different directions of development in Russian history
Solovyov believed that history was not fair to the Russian nation. History was like a stepmother, forcing Russia, one of the oldest European nations, to start the movement from the west to the east, to live with "Stepmother Nature." In the early years, when Christianity extended in Europe, Germanic tribes and Slavic tribes divided Europe, in the initial process of segmentation, in the first "movement", the Germanic people moved from the northeast to the southwest, in the area of the Roman Empire (27 BC - 476 AD), laid the basis of the European civilization. The Slavs moved from the southwest to the northeast, leading to the harsh natural conditions of virgin land which they developed. This opposite movement formed the later differences of the history of the two ethnic groups. The beginning of one nation was under the most favorable conditions, another nation moved about in the most adverse circumstances. From adverse conditions in Russia, Solovyov saw the spiritual strength of the people: the Russian nation, to survive in the harsh natural conditions, surrounded by the so-called "barbarians," still maintained the Christian image, built the Power, displayed the "unusually strong spiritual strength"Solovyov summary of the historical mode is enlightening for us in the history of exchanges between China and Russia, in particular the following points:
(A) The Russian grand dukes continued to conquer and collect tribute
Solovyov described the development of Russia from antiquity to the reforms of Peter the great (1672-1725), described the ancient existence form of Russian rulers: continuous conquest, collecting tribute. This contributes to our understanding of the causes of rapid expansion of Russian Empire. Solovyov illustrated:
Eastern European history began in this way. On the water way from the Baltic Sea to the Black sea ships were full of armed men; they were the grand dukes and their guard from Novgorod22 (8 59 - ). They would command a village or a Slavic island: "pay tribute to us"It was not the first time for people to hear this requirement, they brought the fur, hoped to get rid of the casual visitors as soon as possible. But the guests did not go this time. On the West Bank of Dnieper River stood the capital of Russ, the mother of cities — Kiev. The grand dukes and the guard lived in this city; the surrounding tribes had no more peace. The guard floated on the rivers and collected tribute. Where the grand dukes didn't go, tribute was collected by their agents and the guard. The casual visitors cut down trees, built castles; they also went to a better location and larger castles for garrison. People, living around a castle, could be protected and get preferences, those who mastered certain skills would earn money. Castle residents increased, they began to trade, people gathered from everywhere, villages became deserted, and a number of relatives and friends of the grand dukes did as they pleased. Grand dukes went on expeditions, those who could go prepared for it. Young people cut trees for boats; they fought, and then weren't heard of since.
21Llb_ru-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович. С.М.Соловьев биографическая справка.шМ (Solovyov: Biographical data)
22 Место призвания летописного Рюрика и зарождения российской государственности.
14
When they came back finally, they were beyond recognition. They had been to the Tsargrad,23 fed their sight on, returned with the priceless treasures. They beat the "cunning" Greeks, forcing them to pay tribute. Those outstanding people joined the guard. The guard feasted, hunted and fished day and night. Grand dukes had numerous treasures to armed escort, they were generous, and they were respected.
According to the Russian old folk songs Solovyov surmised that people were shocked by the exploits, the success of these heroes, as well as the changes brought about by the internal "movement", all of which obviously were over exaggerated. What was beyond the everyday things, people considered that it was divine influence. The strong man (богатырь) must be higher than the ordinary, and he had the help of God. In Russia, the myths were not developed, and Christian influence was expanded rapidly, although the strong man was not from God, but at least the warlock. For example, Oleg (Олег Вещий), because of his successful conquest of Constantinople (in 907), and the wealth from there, was popular as healer and prophet.24 We can see through the materials that for the rulers of that time, to collect tribute, to conquest and plunder, was their way of life, people were proud of it.
(B) In the "movement" of grand dukes and people, the national unity consciousness was
formed.
According to Solovyov's study, the Russ (Русь) grand dukes of ancient period, moved from one region to another, mostly fighting. Being engaged in a stable career was not the content of their character. Good grand dukes without hoarding distributed all to their guard, with the guard the grand duke could get everything. To be grand dukes meant "the constant motion from one throne to another," until they were buried in Kiev like their fathers. For example, Grand Duke Monomakh (1053-1125) left an ongoing battle activity record.25 In Solovyov's view, these activities were "perpetual motion," a continuous journey. Under the conditions of that time, by the constant movement, national unity consciousness of the grand dukes and the public was clarifying. Solovyov emphasized the significance of the continuing movement. This was the "heroic period" of Russian history; the land was vast and untapped.
(C) The guard
Solovyov also spoke of the "guard." Some of the features of the guard were similar to some of the characteristics of Russians even today. For example, Solovyov described:
When the guard appeared on the East European plain, it was not fixed for centuries, but retained the original features of a military community, its leaders "moved" for "meritorious service
23 Древнерусское название г. Константинополь (ныне Стамбул). Большой Энциклопедический словарь. 2000. http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc3p/319418
24 Н_М_ Карамзин_ История государства Российского_ Том 1_ Глава 5_ Олег Правитель_ Г_ 879-912.mht (N. M. Karamzin: History of the Russian State, Volume 1, Chapter 5, OlegRuler, 879-912; http://ote4estvo.ru/praviteli-x-xiv-vv/81-knyaz-oleg.html
25 Н_И_ Костомаров_ Русская история в жизнеописаниях ее главнейших деятелей_ Отдел 1_ Глава 4_ Князь Владимир Мономах.Мш (Kostomarov: Russian history in biography of its most important personalities, Division 1, Chapter 4, Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh)
and prey. "The guard in the leadership of the grand duke had a good life: the grand duke was just as a senior colleague and brother instead of dictator. The guard knew all his ideas. He had an open hand for the guard: to supply food and distribute all to the guard. The guard had good communication with the grand duke. If he became stingy, or he had his minions, the guard would leave him. They were free to leave the area, with which they had no contact. The Russian land was so vast, there were so many grand dukes, and they were willing to receive any brave warrior. The Russian guard used to live this kind of military life of primitive groups, used to "move" freely in the vast space, keeping its original freedom, freedom to move, to serve whom they wanted, to be light of heart, not to consider the life of tomorrow, not to feel any pressure from the top, not to feel the need to be united to defend Russ. Their habit was: not to resist, but to flee, to avoid any unpleasant issues. They considered personal interests and not the class interests as their guide to action.
Solovyov spoke of the situation of "movement," for "meritorious service and prey"; frank, generous; pursuit to be free from care, to be free; passive avoidance, etc. These are Russian characteristics, about which people often talk. As for "they used to have the individual interests and not to have the class interests as a guide to action," Solovyov referred to the situation when Christianity was not popular in Russia. He thought when Christianity became popular in Russia (after 1448),26 peoples' basic principle was just another one, described below.
(D) The example image of Vladimir
Solovyov described some of the deeds of the Grand Duke Vladimir (960-1015). Vladimir is a hero of ancient Russia, is seen as a Russian saint, for his enlightenment of the people.27 Vladimir is one of Russia's models for offspring. It is easier for people to understand the characteristics of their offspring through the moral image of their ancestors.
According to The Chronicles the main purpose of Vladimir several expeditions was to consolidate the contact between the tribes. He fought against the intrusion of the steppe tribes, to curb their attempt to harm Russia's nascent society. A series of castles were established near Kiev, in the center of the Russian society, for the defense of the country against the invasion of the steppe tribes. Most of Vladimir's rule was spent in the campaign with the so-called "barbarians." The goale of the campaign was in the main interest of the people and the society, for "property, freedom and survival." They are the keywords of Vladimir's conquest. Solovyov put "property" in the first place, followed by the "freedom," and then by the "survival."
However, Solovyov noted that the difference between Vladimir's performance and that of the past grand dukes was that he fought against the intrusion of the steppe "barbarians." Thus, the
26 A. M. Prokhorov, Russian Encyclopedic Dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p. 1240
27 Llb_ru-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Взгляд на историю установления государственного порядка в России до Петра Великого.шЫ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic, View of history of the State order in Russia before Peter the great); Н_М_ Карамзин_ История государства Российского_ Том 1_ Глава 9_ Великий князь Владимир, названный в крещение Василием_ Г_ 980-1014.mht (N. M. Karamzin: History of the Russian State, Volume 1, Chapter 9, Grand Duke Vladimir, baptized Basil, 980-1014); Н_И_ Костомаров_ Русская история в жизнеописаниях ее главнейших деятелей_ Отдел 1_ Глава 1_ Владимир Свято^^^ (Kostomarov: Russian history in biography of its most important personalities, Division 1, Chapter1, Saint Vladimir)
16
people, bearing in mind the achievements of Vladimir, made him into the hero of a series of warrior songs. There are some other characteristics in Vladimir's personality that make him worthy of the public memory. Solovyov, comparing chronicle legends and folk tales recorded, concluded: "The grand duke has a broad, loving soul; he does not like to be alone, but prefers to live with others, as we all know, and this quality can win the love of the people and be remembered".
Typical characters of folklore and literary works can be used as materials for analysis of the national character. Solovyov also mentioned some other warrior images, for example, one of the heroes of ancient folks, Vasily Buslaev. The focus of researchers and their theories are often different from each other, so their conclusions may be contradictory.28 However, the understanding of Russians about Vladimir is stable; he is even called "the Red Sun" (Красное Солнышко) in the public.29 Vladimir's characteristics are representative, the object of subsequent imitation.
(E) The Russians were the "Vanguard of the European Christian nations"
Solovyov believed that Russia became the vanguard of European Christian nations, developing from the west to the east, and then from the east to the west.30 Although Russ's land area was vast, the unified consciousness of the people had become increasingly clarified. Russ, based in the south of Dnieper River, stepped down from the stage of history, while the North Russ, with Moscow as the center, came out. Moscow began to unify the territory, establish a unified regime. Moscow Russ, continuing the struggle with Asia, turned to Western Europe and tried to master the fruits of civilization. Russ hoped to get the fruits of civilization in Europe, their neighbors were afraid of it; they did not want Russ to achieve its objectives. Solovyov cited such an example.
The King of Poland, Sigismund-August (1520-72) wrote in a letter to Britain's Queen Elizabeth:"The Russian monarch is growing strong thanks to those things that he gets through Narva, from here were shipped previously unknown weapons to him, artisans came here, brought him the skills to overcome any adversary. Your Majesty, of course, also know about his strength. The reason why we had defeated him was just because he was deprived of the skills, knowledge of civilization. If vessels for Narva is continuing, then what doesn't he know?31
Solovyov thought that Russians who battled with Tatars by the Volga, after beating them, expanded westward to the Baltic coast in order to obtain the fruits of civilization.
He writes: "These barbarians (the Russians), in fact, were warriors for Eastern and Western civilization in the history; during the internal turmoil (end of 16thc. - beginning of 17th c.),32 the Russians demonstrated their cleansing ability, their feats able to withstand the sacrifice. In the 17th century, they shouted loudly against social disorder and moral confusion, tirelessly seeking the means to bail out."
28 Б_П_Вышеславцев - Русский национальный характер.Мш (B. P. Vyseslavcev - Russian national character)
29 A. M. Prokhorov, Russian Encyclopedic Dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p. 269
^ЫЪ^и-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Древняя Россия.шМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic: Ancient Russia)
31 As above
32 A. M. Prokhorov, Russian Encyclopedic Dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p.1458
Hardworking and persistent strugglers against the Asian Khanate, dwellers of immense wild land in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, colonial cultural communicators, they had to plow and take up arms to defend themselves and the fruits of their labor. Russian ancestors had fought hard against Asia, established the nation''s internal order, but because the national body was enormous, progress in this direction was slow and hard. If the ancient Russian people could be called the vanguard of the European Christian nations, this vanguard was placed in a most dangerous and difficult place, it had to continue to struggle against the enemy, but also to withstand the impact of inclement weather, as well as all kinds of hardships.33
Turning to the characteristics of Russia, its people generally refer to living between Europe and Asia, having the double impact of the East and the West. Solovyov illustrated this effect at different points of development in Russian history; this effect was not passive, but historical and internal. Solovyov's perspective was different from that of the others.
From the idea "Moscow - The third Rome" to Slavism, the Russians thought that they are God's chosen people, and they have the solemn mission.34 Solovyov's thought is that they neither belonged to Slavism (Славянофильство),35nor belonged to the Western school of thought (Западничество).36 Based upon his devout Orthodoxy, he thought that Russian people were the vanguard of the European Christian nations, that was one step further than that generally known as the "God's chosen people."
Some scholars believe that Russia has an expansionary characteristic due to security, economic and religious motives.37 Other scholars believe that the Slavic nation has militant ambitions.38 After reading Solovyov's thought about mountain-forest opposition, the opposition of the forest and steppe, Russ grand dukes and the guard, we can say that the basic Russian characteristics are formed under the influence of natural and other conditions; it is lifestyle with the original gene.
(F) Education was the pillar of the Church and the state
Solovyov had a basic understanding: "Only in the conditions of sacrifice, only when members of society are aware of that it should be for the common good at the expense of personal interests, this is a responsibility, and society can survive and develop."39 Members of the original society had not agreed to sacrifice their personal interests for the common good. But man was a social animal, primitive families had been established on sacrifice: parents lived no longer for themselves, but for
^^т-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Древняя Россия.шМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic: Ancient Russia)
34 Бердяев Николай_ Судьба России.Мш (Berdyaev Nikolaj, Fate of Russia)
35 A. M. Prokhorov, Russian Encyclopedic Dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p.1450
36 A. M. Prokhorov, Russian Encyclopedic Dictionary. M. Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2001. p.527
шштптшщ — т&шмшшш-хшмтт^.т&мш. 2001^шжш7-
41 (Huang lifu. Will Russia rise again — Analysis of pendulum and the rise and fall of Russia national development cycle, Russian studies, 2001, pages 37-41.)
38шш.. тш^шшштш, ттшшш . 2011 ^Ш0жт43м„ (Qm qiu.
Analysis of Russia national character, Journal of Chongqing University of science and technology (Social Science Edition), 2011, p.43)
^^т-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Древняя Россия.шМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic: Ancient Russia) 18
their children. The awareness of this sacrifice of the society members ("the foundation of the society is sacrifice") is clearer, the society is more solid. Solovyov believed that Christianity preached to make sacrifices for the world; it was helpful for the stability of society. Russ has been founded less than 150 years when Christianity was declared as the state religion, it was a solid social foundation in the national early childhood.
As Russ society matured, it then had the gradual harmonization of the territory, established a unified regime. It was full of cruel, bloody struggles. In the ancient Russ period the infighting of the grand dukes was ferocious until the reign of Ivan IV (1530-84). Violence was commonplace in a struggle, any civic (sacrifice one's life for the country) sense of social existence was weakened. Consciousness, selfless sacrifice of personal interests for the common good, a sense to fulfill social responsibility, all gradually blurred. People were aware of the social evil tumor, but could not find effective means to destroy it. In the Chaotic period of Russian history rulers degenerated, and they were despised by the neighbors.
Solovyov often repeated that the foundation of society is sacrifice for a common cause. After foreign invaders were expelled, "liquidators" of the Russian state had to "clean up" the moral issues of the people. They had to seek some means to make people have a civic consciousness, so that people could be aware of the basis of the social welfare. Moral cleansing could be completed only when people realized what was imperfect and insisted on elimianting it. Russian society of the 17th century condemned these moral defects. But they had to use some means to make people realize that citizens should first "focus on common interests rather than self-interest." Only by realizing this can one find a way out. Solovyov believed that means to make the country stable, to make people finally find happiness, is education. The Saint, Gaza Metropolitan Paisius Ligarid (Паисий Лигарид, 1610-78), pointed out that Russia needed go onto the new road: "If someone asks me, what is a pillar of the Church and the state? I will answer: First, schools; Second, schools; Third, the school."
Karamzin (1766-1826), talking about the ancient Russian ethos, pointed out that Russians of 9th — 10th century showed barbaric ignorance. They were greedy and brutal on the battlefield. The country, based on capture, has proven its people to be courageous. Karamzin also said: "Only a long-term education (enlightenment) can soften the hearts of the people..."40 Of course, for the two historians "school and education" meant the Orthodox enlightenment.
Some scholars examining the impact of Orthodoxy on the Russian national psychology and character, thought that the Christian element was the most fundamental factor of the formation of the so-called "contradictions" features.41 This reference is not a conclusion from a complete study of Russian history. Speaking of "contradiction," one need discuss the interaction of a variety of factors, rather than emphasizing certain factors as "most fundamental."42 Solovyov's discourse
40 Н_М_ Карамзин_ История государства Российского_ Том 1_ Глава 10_ О состоянии древней России.шМ (N.M. Karamzin: History of the Russian State, Volume 1, Chapter 10, On the status of ancient Russia)
41РШ#. 2007^4ЖШЩо (Chen Shulin. Orthodox belief and Russia
fate, The world philosophy, 2007, 4th. p.41)
42TMW, ШШШ. ШЖЭД^ЙШ^. 2003^ШЖШ3-26Мо (Ding Shuqin, Shi Yanling.
Analysis of Berdyaev's thought, Science ■ Economy ■ Society, 2003, 3rd. p. 23-26.)
about the image of the public let us know that treating the Orthodoxy as "the most fundamental factor" remains debatable.
After talking about the grand dukes, the Guard and the Church, Solovyov then directly discussed the public character. He basically sketched out a more complete image of the Russian people.
III. The character of ancient Northern and Southern Russians
Solovyov discussed the character of the people in the ancient Northern and Southern Russia:43
The natural environment of northern Russia was colorful and rich; a little labor was generously rewarded by nature, so that the man arrived at physical or mental anesthesia. Northern people in a burst of passion could perform miracles. However, this power was concentrated, and could not be sustained. (If the natural gift was more parsimonious, it required constant hard labor, one was always in a state of nervous excitement, continuous labor, constantly thinking about how to continue to pursue his own goals.) Solovyov said residents with this character could lay the solid foundation of the national lifestyle to the maximum extent, to make people with other personalities obey them, and the residents of the northern Russ were just so in the case of history. Solovyov believed that the differences in characters of the northern and southern residents were already obvious at the beginning of the Russian history. The historical data he saw showed that at that time foreigners also praised the southern Russ Guards' bravery, quick attack, but it did not last for long. The evaluation of the northern residents by the foreigners of the same age was opposite: they did not like war, but had the features of striking rapidly. They had strong defense, they were invincible. Such a warrior was formed in the northern part of Russia, so-called "rather die than surrender," not to give up patch of land. Russian northern residents did not exhibit those characteristics of quick action in history. Their behaviors were slow and careful, they worked with perseverance. They were thoughtful, cautious to achieve something. When they defended something, they did it with perseverance.
We need to take seriously, carefully ponder these characteristics of ancient Russian people, which Solovyov summarized via natural conditions and historical records. Klyuchevsky in his book, according to the climate and soil conditions in Russia, gave the "Great Russian" (against the residents of the southern part of the ancient Russia) (13th - 15th century) a very exciting psychological description: calculating; trying their luck; shock action; unaccustomed to gentle, moderate, calm, persistent labors, etc. Klyuchevsky's explanation in this regard was more detailed than that of Solovyov. Solovyov's arguments had some color of the natural environment
43 Lib_ru-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Взгляд на историю установления государственного порядка в России до Петра Великого.шМ (Solovyov Sergey Mihajlovic, View of history of the State order in Russia before Peter the great) 20
decision.44 However, his analysis, combined with Russian historical materials, sounded convincing, and was not simply environmental determinism.
IV. Conclusion
Solovyov talked about the characteristics of the Russian people, for example, he stressed the common interests above personal gain, this was interpreted and confirmed in other historical writings,45 the doctrine of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as its impact on people, was confirmed by other thinkers.46 Solovyov's interpretation, starting from the natural conditions and historical facts, according to the principle of the dialectical unity of opposites, adhering to the basic point of the development, has some of the conclusions worthy of attention. From the view of dialectical materialism in these areas, Solovyov's non-comprehensive study of the productive forces and relations of production, his objective idealism are clear. Nevertheless, he tried to explain some of the features of the Russian people, not from the view of Destiny, but from the natural conditions, emphasizing the impact of the natural conditions on the ancestors, which has reasonable elements. Scholars or writers gave other explanations for the causes of the features of the Russian people.47 Solovyov's interpretation still should be considered.
Solovyov's point of view is presented in his writings. We can use some of his own arguments to summarize the contents of the above and its significance. "The impact of the geographical and natural conditions on people's life is undisputed, however, as we said, we need to avoid being one-sided. If people, especially at an early age, are strongly attached to their survival region, with the development of its spiritual strength, the opposite effect can be observed, under the impact of the activities of the public, the natural conditions will change."48 "Natural conditions continue to play a role, but there are other natural conditions, which people act on.People's character, habits, customs, activities, we can see as a product of the natural conditions, if we can take the people as indigenous ones... if in an identified, developed society, one select activities according to his personal preferences and natural conditions, in the ancient time of scattered tribes, it should be thus: the unknown region, through its natural conditions, created the character of its inhabitants, but people according to their preferences, character, selected a known kingdom as a residence."49 "People were similar to their ancestors not only for physiological reasons: people were trained and educated in their legends from the ancestors,
ШШ^Ш^АШЙ^, ШМШ. 2009^ШЖ^92-96Мо (Li Xuezhi. Geographical environment and human society, Oriental Forum, 2009, 4th. p. 92-96.)
45 Под_ред_И_Я_Фроянова_ История России от древнейших времен до начала XX в.htm (I.A.Froanov. History of Russia from the earliest times to the beginning of the 20th century.)
46 О русской идее - Библиотека думающего о России.htm (The Russian idea - Library of thinking about Russia.) ; Познать Россию - Библиотека думающего о России.htm («Наш современник», № 9, 2001г.)(Discover Russia -Library of thinking about Russia)
47 Lib_ru-Классика Достоевский Федор Михайлович_ Дневник писателя_ 1873 год_shtml.mh (Dostoevsky Feodor
Mihajlovic, Diary pisatela, 1873)
48 Lib_ru-Классика Соловьев Сергей Михайлович_ Наблюдения над исторической жизнью народов.шМ (Solovyev Sergey Mihajlovic, Observations on the historical life of peoples)
49 Ibid.
which reflected their natural features, views and attitudes, these legends formed some sense of the sacred, people believed in it, and defended these sacred objects as their main responsibility."50 The image of the people is formed gradually. Natural conditions of the country, as well as many other conditions, where people survive, the degree of their participation in the process of forming the image is different. Nature, ancestors, the legends about ancestors, the impact of the legends should all be considered. In addition to the personal characteristics of the ancestors, natural conditions of the kingdom, many other conditions are involved in the formation of the image of the people in different degrees.
Solovyov stressed the important role of "movement" (conquest). He said that the movement of people is a very important factor. People overcame dangers through "movement," removed obstacles, "movement" gave the people power, gave them courage to expand their territory, and the intelligence of the people was also developed by understanding the different countries and people.
Solovyov's point of view is not that the natural environment determines everything,51 that Orthodoxy determines the national character,52it is not that the natural environment affects religion.53Klyuchevsky pointed out that Solovyov paid attention to the universal law of human life in the study of the phenomenon of national history, his narrative was built on the basis of the philosophy of history, and historical phenomenon was "naturally explained by him, his statement had inherent harmony, historical logic."54 The later historian Ilyin's (1883-1954) exposition of the Russian national character system was more comprehensive; he read the historical works of Solovyov.55 Reading Solovyov's writings, we see how he explained the characteristics ofRussian people. These interpretations and judgments were based on the natural conditions and historical facts from historians, in our opinion, (comparing with philosophical reflection, sociology or psychology survey) its credibility is not minimal. As for the reality of China, it has been suggested to reshape the national character; we feel that such references are not appropriately cautious.56 The bad habits of an individual are not the same as the national character and the overall image of the population. Rereading Solovyov's works has practical significance even today.
50 Ibid.
^жтш-^ж^^ кжй^^вде, ДО'Н^^ж тш^тш) . 1990^, ШЖШ7-
51 М„ (Zhang Mingsuo. Dialogue on the relationships between geographical environment, national culture and national character, Journal of Zhengzhou University (Philosophy and Social Science Edition), 1990, 2nd, p.47-51.)
52Й5Щ. ШЯШ^Ш^Ш. 2008^ШЖШ3-55М„ (Wu Yuming. Orthodox
Church and Russia national character, Journal of Weifang Educational College, 2008, 1st. p. 53-55.)
53РШ#. т^ММ2009^5Ж Ш7-23М„ (Chen Shulin. Russia Orthodox localization features, Qiushi Journal, 2009, 5th. p. 17-23.)
54 Lib_ru-Классика Ключевский Василий Осипович_ Памяти С_ M_ Соловьева.шМ (Vasily klyuchevsky Osipovic, Solovyov 's memory)
55№ т&МВЖШФтт-Шит&т-ХЕ, 2001^ШЖ Ш3-36М„ (Yin Lian. The feminine and masculine factors in Russian national character, Russia literature, 2001, 2nd. p. 33-36.)
56*IJ№ ЖШаШКЖЙ^.АКВЖШШ, 2006^8Я29ВШ№„ (Liu Changle. Reshape our national character, People's daily, August 29, 2006, Overseas Edition.) 22
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Information about the author:
Yang Mingtian is a professor of Shanghai International Studies University. (Shanghai, China, 200083). E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
