In Russian villages there’s usually almost no work, and the wages are so poor, that people have to leave their birthplace. The able-bodied population is only a handful. Only most manly, enduring, hardy, rough, and belonging to country life. Being unaffected, the last who stayed know the difference between black and white for sure. They don’t waste their time on baying at the moon — they must labour. Only manual labour is counted as man’s work. Even if it is low-paid. The muzhiks are straightforward, honest, and tough. But the outward severity and coolness/imperturbability conceal kindness and naivety.