Seven Russian Archetypes is a description of seven seminal Russian figures: the Victim (zhertva), the Fool (iurodivyi), the Rebel or the Bandit (buntar' ili razboinik), the Wanderer (strannik), the Mother (mat'), the Peasant (muzhik), and the Intellectual (intelligent). Drawing from Russian history, folklore, literature, visual arts, and religion, these seven profiles are analyzed and presented in vivid and evocative detail. The seven portraits help to explain the Russian character and especially the groundedness of Russian culture in Orthodox Christianity. Many experts on Russian politics, business and culture, as well as admirers of Russian spirituality are aware of different features, both favorable and condescending, which display Russian mentality and temperament such as paternalism, messianism, collectivism, poor ability for self-organization, dogmatism, tendency toward asceticism and the penchant to bear suffering, radicalism, and inclination to extremes. From an external point
