[Stat-boy]

For the past 100 years, many intelligent Russians gravitated towards complex mathematics, physics and other very technical areas in order to avoid (as much as possible) the poison of the communist state.

It sounds strange to us, but to them the world of math and science was a mental escape from the evils of their society.

The computer science field is an offshoot of the math and hard science culture.

[khelus]

For the past 100 years, many intelligent Russians gravitated towards complex mathematics, physics and other very technical areas in order to avoid (as much as possible) the poison of the communist state.

It sounds strange to us, but to them the world of math and science was a mental escape from the evils of their society.

The computer science field is an offshoot of the math and hard science culture.

Plus, unlike the PTB of the US, those in Russia have had the sense to value and nurture those who are born gifted technically.

If you stayed clear of politics, this traditionally was a way to join the small middle class.

You didn't see massive imports of mediocre IT people brought in to do STEM work that Russians 'can't and won't do.

[skinkinthegrass]

really makes sense..

[Moltke]

Throughout my physics studies I relied on the Landau-Lifshitz theoretical physics textbooks as much as on, e.g., the more experimental-oriented Feynman Lectures. Great texts from both sides of the Iron Curtain on basic physics.