Russian social network users have identified responsibility and discipline as the most valuable lessons learned from their school years, according to survey results published on Tuesday by news outlet Lenta.ru.
The survey was conducted by the Russian social media platform Odnoklassniki as part of a project titled Narodny Uchebnik, or People Textbook, launched to coincide with Knowledge Day on September 1.
When reflecting on broader life experiences, 23 percent of project participants stated that their most important lessons were related to health. A further 22 percent of respondents said their primary lessons came from love and relationships, while another 22 percent pointed to communication with other people.
The survey showed that 18 percent of Russians identified happiness as their main source of life lessons, followed by family at 17 percent and navigating difficult periods at 14 percent. Financial matters were cited by 10 percent of participants. Across all categories, responsibility and discipline were named as the standout lessons carried over from primary and secondary education.
Advice on health, finances, and personal growth
In the health category, respondents urged people to dedicate time not only to physical sports and proper nutrition, but also to their mental state. On the topic of money, participants highlighted the necessity of reasonable spending habits and building financial savings.
Commentators on the platform also stressed the importance of living in the present moment, avoiding procrastination, finding joy in simple everyday things, and taking lessons from personal mistakes.
Collection launch and celebrity contributors
The top quotes submitted to the project were compiled into a digital collection titled Narodny Uchebnik, which was published on the Odnoklassniki main page on September 1. A separate thematic section named Narodnoye Znaniye, or People Knowledge, featured commentary and content from more than 70 authors and artists, including Russian pop singers Oxana Pochepa and Anita Tsoy.
Knowledge Day is celebrated annually in Russia on September 1, marking the official beginning of the academic school year. The nationwide holiday is traditionally observed with ceremonial school assemblies, flowers presented to teachers, and educational activities organized across the country.
Odnoklassniki, which translates as Classmates, is one of the oldest and most widely used social networking platforms in Russia. Established in 2006, the service is currently operated by VK, a leading Russian technology and internet group, and regularly launches interactive thematic projects for its active user base.
Previous platform initiatives
The latest project follows an earlier interactive survey hosted on the social platform under the title Narodny Brand, or People Brand. That discussion focused on regional identity, gathering insights on what residents from different Russian regions consider to be primary sources of local pride.
