A highly respected by me philosophy professor F.A.Selivanov many years ago said approximately this: «First, people (or government authorities? I don’t remember really) do things and then philosophers justify their actions». I have devoted many years to the sphere of finance, but looking at the analysts of investment banks, I always got the feeling that: «First, something happens on the market and then analytics try to justify it». No offense to analysts. The world is just built this way.

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

There is a trick in psychology. The patient is asked to imagine his own funeral. To look from the side on the people that came, listen to what they are saying, how they act. And then build your life in such a way that the only ones to come would be people who were close to you, for them to speak words after which you would realize that your life had a purpose, and you’ve lived it how you wanted to. I was thinking about that while watching «Corteo» of the Canadian Cirque du Soleil. Don’t want to steal bread from critics, but the performance was bright, interesting and talented. But most importantly, I felt how my soul is purifying, how from under the routine of life and conventions of adulthood, something pure, sincere is breaking out, which I want to save till the day I die.

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

Nobody knows how and when we’re going to enter this world. Nobody knows when we will leave it. That is why every moment of life should be treasured. Right here and right now…

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

There is always a choice. Especially when you’re the one defining it – to go to the Balcony or to the Lavka (Store). Meaning, to try out the lunch offered at the «Balcony» restaurant of Ginza network on the Novinsky boulevard or to pop into «The Store. Farmer’s food», which is in the «Arma» factory. I chose the second one, due to the intriguing beginning :) And I’m glad. All the products are provided by the local farmers. The food is simple, homemade, and is prepared for unlimited amount of people and all the same for everyone. For example, we were given:
- Roulettes made of eggplant with cottage cheese-garlic filling (love it!)
- «Solyanka» with meat (although I didn’t find meat)
- Chicken with veggies (vegetables were exceptional)
- Rose hip «morse» (nutritious and delicious!)
- Goat cheese plate (four types of homemade cheese)
- Veggie plate (fresh beet, carrots, turnips,… I liked it!)
- Grey and white bread (although not homemade, it was very fresh)
- Tea (barely had any space for it).
The atmosphere… very warm, farmer like, ironic, honest, humane… And even sitting at a long bench for everyone like in a village hut does not feel intimidating when being with unknown people, on contrary, I felt relaxed and comforted. Received positive energy. To the place – sincere thank you and good luck!

It doesn’t matter where you live. What matters is how you enjoy life.

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

Different feelings and thoughts occur when you drive through Russia, far from major cities. The Ural region. It was a prosperous region at the end of the 19^th, beginning 20^th centuries. Survived remnants of powerful factories and large public buildings, huts with the first brick floor, decent-looking by today's standards. Destroyed, with covered frescoes on the walls and inscriptions such as Kisa + Osya = 19 ... on the Domes, but majestic in their ancient truth Orthodox churches. Looking at those little remaining islands of history, you want to put a sign: "Memory for humanity». But beside those there are rotten huts, overgrown with weeds and parks in front of Soviet institutions, with obligatory statues of Lenin and streets titled in his honor. Here, too, I want to put a sign: "Repentance for humanity."

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

A good book is like good wine. You want to drink fast and more. But the true pleasure is achieved only when you slowly sip on it.

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com