The Wizard of the Kremlin

by Giuliano da Empoli

“There is nothing sadder in this world than to watch a strong, healthy family reduced to shreds by a stupid banality. A pack of wolves, for instance.”

Nothing’s harder than coming to a decision, but once you’ve done it, everything else has to be set aside except what will bring it to fruition.

Stalin understood that anger is a structural given. At different times, it increases or decreases, but it never disappears. It’s one of the undercurrents governing society. So the issue is not how to stop it but how to manage it. If it isn’t to overrun its banks and destroy everything in its path, you constantly have to provide overflow channels. Situations where anger can go wild without putting the whole system in danger.

When you’re down and out, the only weapon you have to protect your dignity is the ability to instill fear.” —The

That’s when I understood that true freedom is a product of conformity. Only by keeping up appearances can you do what you want. I needed stability. Financial, yes. But other kinds too.