Live, shine, intrigue: poet Igor Karaulov congratulates women on 8 March

Poet and publicist Igor Karaulov visited the National Centre RUSSIA and, ahead of 8 March, addressed women with a message of congratulations. He reflected on what makes women special and why that difference is important for the world.

"In our era of feminism it has become fashionable to say that women are no different from men, that they are essentially the same kind of person, and that saying anything else is somehow wrong. But it seems to me that this difference is one of the most important features of our lives: that there are such different people as men and women. And precisely because women are different from us, because of this difference, this contrast in potential, the whole mechanism of our society, civilisation and human life is set in motion," said Igor Karaulov.

The poet gives particular meaning to that elusive feminine attraction which for centuries has inspired men to write poetry, perform feats and live life itself.

"A woman is a mystery. Of course, that mystery can gradually fade when you begin to think that everything is already known and that there is no mystery left. But as long as a man looks at a woman and thinks: 'How can I understand her? What is it about her?' — as long as that question remains, a man continues to live. So, dear women, live, shine and intrigue us with your wonderful mysteries," he said.