Shocked societies. Rules of life in an age of change

We all know the expression "social upheavals." But how to live in a "shocked" society, how to preserve property, dignity, mental balance — and life itself? How to withstand the first blow when the familiar world suddenly collapses? How to emerge from a crisis wiser and stronger? Who, if not Russia, will provide answers to these questions, as we have been thrown from one extreme to another for centuries.
Yakov Mirkin has long been known as a collector and careful custodian of Russia's historical experience in overcoming wars, revolutions, repressions, and crises. He has built a whole portrait gallery of politicians, scientists, and cultural figures, who reacted differently to stress. But this book is unique. It is not only about the past but also about the current experience. The author has collected more than 100 personal stories from his followers and created a truly healing book – without seeking to assign blame or find the guilty, without labels and accusations. A soul-healing book about how for 200 years our ancestors and contemporaries survived through eras of endless change.