Nikolay Chernyshevsky
Nikolay Chernyshevsky was a Russian revolutionary democrat, materialist philosopher, critic, and socialist. He was the leader of the revolutionary democratic movement of the 1860s, and an influence on Vladimir Lenin, Emma Goldman, and Russian socialism. His most famous work, 'What Is to Be Done?', was a novel that presented his ideas on rational egoism, and the role of the individual in a socialist society. Chernyshevsky's ideas provided the intellectual foundation for the revolutionary movements that later shaped Russian history.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. What Is To Be Done?
The book in question is a novel that serves as a social and political commentary on the mid-19th century Russian society. It follows the lives of a group of young revolutionaries who advocate for the emancipation of serfs and the establishment of socialism through rational egoism and utilitarianism. The narrative focuses on the character development and ideological struggles of these individuals as they navigate love, marriage, and intellectual debates. The novel's didactic message promotes the idea that through education and hard work, a new social order can be achieved, one that is based on equality, reason, and the collective good. It became an influential piece of literature for Russian radicals and later, revolutionaries, inspiring political movements and change.
The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time
