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The original was posted on /r/askhistorians by /u/justquestionsbud on 2023-10-18 05:16:02+00:00.

Over the years, I’ve gotten tidbits that make it seem like the Soviets were really pushing for the whole “getting physically and mentally developed as a people” thing. I have no clue where to even begin to research this sort of thing, so I’d appreciate any write-up or directions!

Things I’ll use as examples, all anecdotal:

• apparently artists, like musicians and ballet dancers, were treated like royalty. I’ve heard that Russians/Soviets have real respect for ballet throughout the culture, or at least did
• stronger mathematical foundations. Not sure if it was at the expense of liberal arts or not, but apparently the Eastern Bloc really prized mathematical ability, and the average Soviet had a better grasp of higher level mathematics than the average Westerner.

Again, this is remembered anecdotal “evidence” I’m writing up at 1am. So, feel free to shoot me down on this stuff.