From the archive

Don't be like Durov

He says one thing and does another. Says he’s “against control” and “for privacy,” yet regularly bends to any government when that’s what it takes to protect the business. Remember when Telegram was blocked in Rashka? Loud proclamations that “we will not give in,” and a couple of years later he peacefully negotiates — and everything works again. No revolution. Just an agreement. Nothing personal — just business. So here’s the question: why do people keep believing guys like him? Because it’s convenient to believe in a “hero.” It’s convenient to think there’s someone “like us” among the billionaires. When in reality he’s playing you like kids, selling an image rather than the truth. Want to be like Durov? Go ahead. Just be prepared to spend your whole life wearing a mask. Pretend. Lie beautifully. Act like you’re “special.” And be miserable while doing it. Now, pay attention. If you’re reading this and right now getting offended on Durov’s behalf, it means he’s already bought you with his image, bought you like some whore. You're his fan, his tool, and part of his success. You look at his photos and think, "This is how I should be." And at that moment, he's counting the money he got from you — for your subscription, for your attention, for your illusions.