The Art of Taking Bribes

An invaluable training manual for officials of all ranks and types, of all times and peoples—an audiobook version of Erast Petrovich Pertsov’s book “The Art of Bribing.” With the release of the audiobook, improving and honing the skill of taking bribes became possible anywhere and anytime: during meetings, on the way to work or home, in the gym and while resting. The guide includes a detailed classification of bribes, instructions on how to receive them, and advice on how to avoid possible punishment. After all, in such an important and responsible matter, every little detail matters—even the expression on the face of the bribe-taker: “…Be stern with the petitioner until the very moment when he whispers that he will be grateful to you: then all the features of your face will suddenly come alive, your gaze will brighten, and the harsh voice will soften with smoothness and a sense of speech; respond to the kind petitioner by saying you have plenty to do—that his case is still far from the turn; that you haven’t had time to consider him; and end these phrases with the advice: visit more often…"

In the author’s opinion, “the book will delight good people who wish their country well, and upset those in whose instruction it appears to be written. If it upsets, then the moral purpose of the work is achieved better than anything.” And from us, let’s remind you that in the Russian state of the 16th–17th centuries there was a ban only on promises—bribes to judges. All other “people of the sovereign” in the localities (as well as the white clergy) were not paid salaries and lived only on what petitioners brought them (for clergy, it was the flock). And Peter I also said that a person presented with money cannot not steal. Which, unfortunately, we keep finding out for ourselves.

The audiobook is recommended by the Lectory “Native Speech” as a training manual.