What a load of Russia bashing and with no flicker of truth.
 
On Wed, 8 Nov 1995, W. M. Reger IV wrote:
 
>
> W. M. Reger IV     :     [log in to unmask]
>
> In whatever country we seek original genius, we must go to Russia for a
> talent of imitation. It is the acme of Russian intellect; the principle of
> all their operations. They have nothing of their own; but it is not their
> fault if they have not everything which others invent. Their surprising
> powers of imitation exceed all that has been hitherto known. The meanest
> Russian slave has been found adequate to the accomplishment of the most
> intricate and most delicate works of mechanism; to copy, with his single
> hand, what has demanded the joint labours of the best workmen in France and
> England. Though untutored, they are the best actors in the world....If they
> were instructed in the art of painting, they would become the finest
> portrait painters in the world....
>
> Edward Clarke, (1811) Travels in Various Countries of Europe, Asia and
> Africa: Russia, Tartary, and Turkey, Vol I
>