The term mentality is derived from Latin mens (mind). It means the specific way of thinking of a individual or group of people. The specific character of mentality is formed under the influence of such factors as the natural and geographical features of habitat, age, ethnic, social and religious affiliation, the specificity of economic, social, political and cultural life of a society, etc. At the same time mentality influences the development of a society, accelerating or retarding its historical evolution. It has to be emphasised that inertia is a distinctive feature of mentality. This can result in the fact that social, economic and political changes often happen a little bit faster than alterations in the people think and view the world. In such a case mentality can be a distinctive deterrent that retards and hinders the progressive development of society. (fragment)