Cultural selection discussion

When looking at cultural factors that may or may not have lead to the demise of communism, it is imperative that we not lump all cultural elements together.

Many cultural elements predispose to the long term viability and success of an organization ( be it a family, a company or a nation). The truth is that some elements are simply more important for economic success than others and some are crucial. The areas you listed, education, the Arts, and yes, even Chess, are important cultural elements but these are elements more readily associated with personal fulfillment, then with economic success. The cultural elements, IN ADDITION TO the ones you listed, that Russia must endorse and nurture in it's news media and movies ( the greatest educational tool of all time) are: respect for the individual and indeed individualism, self dependency,(teach and read the children's story of THE LITTLE TRAIN WHO COULD I think I can, I think I can), reasonable risk taking and the entrepreneurial spirit. Valuing these traits in a open competitive market will do much to improve their economy.

If a man wishes to win a marathon, he must exercise his legs and lungs. Reading fiction and playing chess will not get him to the finish line first.

hw