Peter’s Life-Work

Abstract

Peter I started in Russia in fact a specific type of caesaristic democracy based on the direct connection of the nation-wide and military leader who had mass support of lower social classes. And he established the so-called “spirit of Peter” – the tradition of projected breaking through that denies the external determinacy of transcendent and religious principles, and is ready to accept the challenge of “accomplishing the impossible”. It became the institution of tradition, a component part of culture and spiritual heritage. A military officer in the long run was always more respected in society than a clergyman or even a party functionary. The army became a kind of a patrimonial relic, a sort of family talisman. The favorite toy of the country and the people. The favorite toy of the American people is a carefully kept Winchester. Even if it is never put to use. Our people prefer the country army as the favorite toy, – even if it is rarely put to use. The army was largely viewed not only as defender from enemy without, but also as defender from the country government arbitrariness. A well-known saying “Those who don’t want to provide for the country army, will have to provide for the enemy one”, – has its analogue. Those who don’t want to accept the personal power limitations imposed by the constitutionally elected parliament, will have to accept the limitations enforced by the soldiers of the Guards regiments.