The Historical Development of Russia’s Traditional Values
Abstract
This study provides a theoretical justification for the necessity of maintaining a system of traditional values for the existence and sustainable development of the state, drawing on data from anthropology, cognitive science, and philosophy. It argues that fundamental human needs can be understood as values of life and honor, which are subsequently shaped within culture, thereby defining the distinct worldview and value system of a given community. By applying these findings and synthesizing them with established historical facts of Russia, the study elucidates the evolutionary nature of the Russian people’s collective identity. Russia’s close interaction with both Western and Eastern cultures has enabled it to synthesize a unique value system — one that integrates patriotism and devotion to the homeland with compassion and humanity toward all people. The capacity to retain such diverse moral principles within both individual and collective consciousness has been made possible by the continuous pursuit of new solutions and constructive labor. In turn, this creative capacity facilitates the overcoming of limitations, thereby fostering values of creation and willpower. The clarification of these values and the necessity of their consistent embodiment in individual and societal life represent the study’s most significant theoretical contribution. Its practical application in state planning and education would contribute to the establishment of a stable system for shaping both collective and individual identity while countering the spread of destructive ideologies.
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