Lord Skidelsky's eight-year struggle to master the Russian language is a testament to his determination and fascination with the culture. The distinguished academic, 56 at the time he began learning, had grown up speaking only English despite having deep Russian roots.
Skidelsky's motivation for learning Russian was multifaceted. The fall of communism offered an opportunity to reconnect with his heritage, which took on new significance during a research trip to post-communist Russia in 1994. He met key economic reformers and dissidents, including Lena Nemirovskaya, who ran a 'school for democracy', and her partner Yuri Senakossov, who spoke no English. Skidelsky felt compelled to communicate directly with Nemirovskaya's students and discuss Russian philosophy with Senakossov, as well as captivated by the 'sensuous, lyrical quality' of the Russian language itself.
Initially, progress was hindered by inconsistent learning due to his packed schedule. His early teacher, Olga, a physics researcher, lacked formal teaching experience and lessons often derailed into personal conversations about her life, including an affair with Skidelsky's eldest son. This period was marked by 'complex personal drama' in English rather than focused language instruction.
However, a breakthrough came in the summer of 1996 when Skidelsky spent two and a half weeks living with a Georgian family in Moscow. Under his new teacher, Valentina, he dedicated himself conscientiously to his studies using an old Soviet textbook, finally feeling genuine progress in his long-standing battle with the language.