The foreigner who understands this possesses the key to all of Russian culture. Americans as a nation are a people of action. They move forward without being weighed down by the burden of centuries-old traditions, customs and regimes. Astonishingly, Americans do not like to philosophize. It elicits a deferential yawn from them, or a polite expression of attention.
Words are the yeast of Russian culture.
Residents think that the city council ought to fill it in. The city council thinks it's a matter for local authorities. The local authorities have no money. As a matter of principle, none of the residents fills it in. Someone says something on this account.