As for my comparison of our previous life here with our present life.
In the soviet time we used to live a satisfied and safe life in material regard. But at the same time it was a dictatorship, which I hated. I’m of a rebel frame of mind, you know. Now the life is much harder. Nevertheless it’s a life of freedom and big possibilities for everyone. I do think if you are talented and hard-working you can achieve if not everything but very much.