One of the brightest, charismatic and famous rulers of the Russian Empire was Peter the Great. It is to him that the Russian people are grateful for the appearance of potatoes in the country. Thanks to Peter I, the Slavic world: Russia, Ukraine and Belarus - celebrates the New Year on January 1, decorates a Christmas tree and has fun on that day.
Little-educated Emperor
The years of the reign of Peter the Great brought Russia global changes - the state has taken a big step in development. Having taken the throne at the age of 10, Pyotr Alekseevich at first did not show much interest in the rule of the country. Perhaps the fault was the too young years of the crowned boy. His education was poor: Peter 1 in his statements was smart, but he wrote with terrible mistakes until the end of his life. One of his quotes states the importance of speaking with one's own mind, in one's own words, and not reading a prepared text. The emperor also read with great difficulty.
I direct the gentlemen to the senators to keep their speech not in writing, but in their own words, so that dope can be seen by everyone.
No wonder the comedians say that you can’t spoil the education of an intelligent person. Peter 1 in his statements showed firmness, a sharp mind, rigor and worldly wisdom.
An ungrateful man is without conscience; he should not believe him. A clear enemy is better than a vile flatterer and a hypocrite; such an ugly mankind.
Evil cannot fly quietly.
The more danger, the more glory.
Afraid of misfortune - not to see happiness.
About the ignorant and the environment
The statements of Peter 1 often concerned ignorant, uncultured people. They caused the emperor a lot of irritation and anger.
Whoever begins to speak does not interrupt the other, but let him finish and then tell the other how honest people should, and not like women-traders.
The statements of Peter 1 about the subordinates are tough and fair. He teaches everyone the mind, wanting to observe in his environment strong, honest and intelligent personalities.
Ignorance of the law no one dissuade.
When the sovereign obeys the law, then no one dares to oppose it.
However, some phrases of the emperor speak of his some arrogance in relation to other people. What is only one of his phrases:
The subordinate in front of the boss should look dashing and silly! In order not to embarrass the authorities with their minds.
Perhaps this is reasonable advice, the wish of a pompous gentleman.
Speak briefly, ask a little, go away greyhound!
Briefly about life
The statements of Peter 1 concerned life and dreams. Their meaning inspires and gives ground for serious thought:
Afraid of misfortune - not to see happiness.
Many people in their experiences are afraid to take risks, trust in the current happy events in anticipation of a life trick and disappointments.
There is a desire - a thousand ways; no desire - a thousand reasons!
Achieving a goal is one of the important paths to success. The main thing is to really want this. Then there is time and a lot of opportunities.
Unprecedented happens.
Here it is: faith in a miracle! You may not believe in the impossible, but amazing things happen in life! Peter the First knew what he was saying.
Opinions of historians and other critics
Statements of historians about Peter 1 are ambiguous and contradictory. According to one version, the sovereign of the Romanov family appears in the white light: Peter I is an outstanding statesman who eradicated barbarism and ignorance among the Russian people. He put a lot of work into the development of domestic trade and industry. He “opened the window” to Europe, introduced Russia to civilization, European traditions, sciences and other knowledge.
In another opinion, the appearance of the Tsar of the Russian Empire is completely transformed: Peter I is a Western puppet, he destroyed Russian culture and history. He did everything possible to allow European swindlers to Russia, littered the Russian lands with a multitude of Westerners, crooks and barbarians.
Famous personalities, writers and poets addressed to Peter 1 utterances left quite flattering:
- Leo Tolstoy harshly speaks of the Russian emperor as a "raging beast" who did what he wanted in his state.
- Vladimir Soloukhin wrote that under Peter I "Russia was lost."
- Pushkin characterizes the emperor as a powerful ruler who was contemptuous of humanity, meanwhile not fearing public education and freedom. The Almighty was confident in his power "more than Napoleon."
- Dostoevsky emphasized the idea that the Russian people were accustomed to love Europe, the French and the British only thanks to the onslaught of Peter. In response to the love of the Russian people and the country, the Europeans never arose.
- Unlike the rest, Lomonosov considered Pyotr Alekseevich "a man like God." Lomonosov admired the Russian emperor.
- Klyuchevsky wrote that the reforms created by Peter I are facing the future, and therefore are not understood and accepted by all.
Statements by publicists about Peter 1 expose the king’s personality and his reign in a different light. Many considered him a good commander and manager. According to Klyuchevsky, Peter I developed a sense of duty to the people, he always thought about the public good.
Yes, on January 1, as a sign of fun; congratulating each other on the New Year and the centenary, to do this: when the fire will be lit and the shooting will take place, then at noble yards, boyars, and deceased, and thoughtful and close, and noble people, the famous military, military and merchant rank to people, each in his own yard, from small cannons, if anyone has one, and from several muskets, or another small gun, fire three times and launch several rockets.
We, contemporaries, can be grateful to Pyotr Alekseevich for fragrant potatoes on the table, for the wonderful tradition of drinking morning coffee, for beautiful tulips brought from Holland, and sunflowers.
And, of course, for the wonderful tradition of celebrating the New Year from December 31 to January 1.