Stepan
KRASHENINNIKOV

“All arts and skills are mostly descended from simple and humblest beginnings” *

“Astronomy is considered to be the most important of physical sciences. It appears that one cannot gain much by watching the sky through telescopes. But a more detailed discussion of this matter will change this opinion completely. Astronomy has proved extremely useful in navigation, making it possible to compile methods for calculating any location’s longitude and latitude.”

“First of all, the ocean was considered to be land’s end, but an entire continent was later discovered, and many unknown lands are being discovered to this day. All treasures being delivered from there show the well-being acquired by the human race, as well as all requirements concerning life’s pleasures that the whole world takes advantage of through commerce”

“The visionary emperor Peter the Great could not but comprehend the usefulness of sciences and arts. He was completely aware of the fact that not a single state can exist in a state of glory, contentedness and safety without them; for this purpose, he worked tirelessly to enlighten his homeland through studies.”

“Simple people consider it a disadvantage not to engage in sciences.”

“It is quite useful, especially as far as great persons are concerned, to know one’s homeland within all its confines, to know the affluence and drawbacks of each place, to know the specialisations of citizens and nations and to be aware of their customs and religions.”  

“The vast Russian state abounds in everything needed for human pleasure; it is inhabited by numerous nations who largely differ in terms of their lifestyles, languages, laws and temperaments; however, the exact status of each nation and its name remain unknown; and this concerns even the nearest nations.”

* The information is based on the accounts of the person featuring in this section as well as accounts of their family members, acquaintances and colleagues