On December 10, SKOLKOVO Moscow Management School hosted dean of MSU Economics Department Alexander Auzan and businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan.

Below are some highlights from Ruben Vardanyan’s speech picked up by Finbuzz.ru.

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In the 21st century, we will take our next step toward evolution and a whole new history will await us afterwards.  Man is an individual and the future is shaped out of its vectors. My future will be linked to my vision.

In the information society, the state’s role is getting minor. One can live in one country, be a citizen of another yet work for the third one. The way you see the world and your place in it is a matter of future.

New millionaires appeared who created a new space and earned billions at their 23s. Do you think they will live in the old society? Their views will lead to social changes. Man is the key asset which will impact his environment.

Photo: Finbuzz.ru

If we state that man is the main asset in the 21st century we will do everything in a different way. It’s an illusion that state officials and businessmen will make the decisions as before. A bunch of people can change the world. The state doesn’t owe us anything. If you want to do at least something - do it. And we will change everything.

I’m deeply convinced that in the 21st century, man has become the key unit of success. Moral assets, responsibility for future and decision-making are all critical. 

One of the chief problems of Russia is inconsistency. We say we have a Christian country but a deceased person is “lying” on the Red Square. How many programs did we start? Let’s finish at least one project.

Photo: Finbuzz.ru

I don’t want to build my life based on the Iron Curtain scenario. Although, we may miss our chance and the option will be put into practice.

We are going back to the middle ages. I am sure we live with illusions. Now, terrorism is a more dangerous threat than war between the states.

We live in a system and world where the family is being wrecked. Family as a basis for everything will become extinct. No matter what happens to the world with globalization we will have a global world with local mentality.

One can’t do business and be engaged in positive movement if he doesn’t think positively.