One of the most striking things about the reign of Peter the Great is how much he was able to get away with as a ruler. I mean not in terms of his personal life, but in terms of his demands on the people as ruler of the State. Over the course of his reign,Continue reading “Why do we obey? Thoughts on Peter the Great.”
Tag Archives: history
Peter the Great and “Westernization”
Everyone knows that Peter the Great “westernized” Russia. But what does that mean? And how true is it? In a very literal sense Peter the Great did westernize Russia, that is by persuading a large number of Western experts to immigrate and take up prominent posts in the Russian government. Peter “imported” shipwrights, mathematicians, generals,Continue reading “Peter the Great and “Westernization””
Garlic Mustard: it’s everywhere, why not eat it?
Eating Garlic Mustard is often urged as a way of fighting an invasive plant, but there’s another reason it’s worth a try: history. Ever come across those startling, seemingly inexplicable details when reading something older than the 20th century, such as that people used to sleep in two four hour shifts, or put eggs inContinue reading “Garlic Mustard: it’s everywhere, why not eat it?”
recycled paper clips 