For years people have speculated as to why the old Soviet Union fell apart. Despite all discussions about broad economic events and social evolution, the truth is now revealed in this brief tale.
In the final days of the Soviet system, Nicholi is visiting with his friend Boris, the latter a notoriously work-shy layabout, during lunch at the factory:
"You've certainly been working hard today," Nicholi comments
"Bah!" Boris exclaims, "That new director threatened to denounce me as being unenthusiastic about the new productivity goals."
"And so?" said Nicholi.
"So," Boris continues, "I am making fool of him. I have been carrying the same load up and down the stairs all day ..."