It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times

It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union, is a prime example of the saying "It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times." Gorbachev's rise to power and subsequent reforms in the Soviet Union had a profound impact on the course of history, and his actions spoke louder than any words could have.

Gorbachev came to power in 1985 at a time when the Soviet Union was facing economic stagnation, political repression, and growing discontent among its citizens. Instead of relying on the same old tactics of his predecessors, Gorbachev embarked on a series of bold reforms aimed at modernizing the Soviet Union and improving the lives of its people.

One of Gorbachev's most significant reforms was his policy of glasnost, or openness, which allowed for greater freedom of speech and expression in the Soviet Union. This policy led to a wave of political and cultural change, as previously suppressed voices were able to speak out and challenge the status quo. Gorbachev's actions showed that he was willing to listen to the concerns of his people and make real changes based on what he saw and heard firsthand.

Another key reform introduced by Gorbachev was perestroika, or restructuring, which aimed to revitalize the Soviet economy and make it more efficient and competitive. Gorbachev's willingness to acknowledge the shortcomings of the Soviet system and take bold steps to address them demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of his people and ensuring the long-term viability of the Soviet Union.

Gorbachev's actions during his time in power were a stark departure from the authoritarianism and repression of his predecessors, and they had a lasting impact on the Soviet Union and the world. By seeing the problems facing his country firsthand and taking decisive action to address them, Gorbachev was able to bring about real change and set the stage for the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.