Why is everything so poor and sad in Russia?

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Why is everything so bleak in Russia — in the past and present?

The first reason is undoubtedly adverse selection over the past 100 years, starting from 1917. Then there is the immense problem of war. There are places where everyone left, and no one returned. And typically, these are young men in their reproductive age. This is a tremendous demographic collapse that is irreversible.

The second reason is the priorities of the state. I encounter people who come without teeth at all. It is one of the most common medical problems. They are old, with meager pensions. The average retirement, for context, is 12,000-13,000 rubles. When a person has a stipend of 19,000, it is considered good. People in their 70s say, “Is it the case that I am entitled to nothing?”

At that moment, you realize there is an incredible gap between television and reality for people. On television, they say, “Veterans, respected ones, you have built this country, invested your labor and lives in it!” And the person shrugs their shoulders, feeling that the country owes them something. That the country loves them, respects them, and will not let them down. But when they turn off the television and face reality, they realize they are not entitled to anything; no one owes them anything. And this dissonance leaves people in a state of shock.

There have been instances where I engaged in debates, saying, “Listen, they gave you everything.” And in response, they say, “How did they give us everything?” I say, “Well, look, Gagarin went to space! That means they recognized your greatness. And they also celebrated the 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversary of Victory. So, you are living in a great country.” So, it’s just a matter of priorities. The country has enough money to allow people to live with dignity.