The Russian Idea

by Nikolai Berdyaev, Николай Бердяев

In this powerful, moving book first published in 1946, Berdyaev is not so interested in the empirical details of Russian history as he is in "the thought of the Creator about Russia." The "Russian idea" is thus a mystical one. Religion and philosophy, not economics or politics, determine history and society. Berdyaev takes up the story in the nineteenth century. He traces the lineage of such powerful artists and thinkers as Chaadev, Khomyakov, Kireevksy, Leontyev, Aksakov, Hertzen, Bakunin, all of whom struggled to integrate the polarities of East and West, spirit and matter, and male and female in the Russian soul. This soul, however, is so immense, boundless, and vague that it is incapable of settling for "the halfway kingdom of culture." Demanding all or nothing, alternatively apocalyptic and nihilistic, Russians strove to justify culture and discover Russia's mystical mission. Impatient with the slow processes of history, distrusting all authority and yet haunted by a vision of unity, thinkers such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Federov, and Solovyov created an original and vital religious philosophy that culminated in the Russian Renaissance at the beginning of the twentieth century. The fruit of these great figures, of whom Berdyaev was one (others included Florensky, Bulgakov, Rozanov, Merezhkovsky, Blok, and Bely), was cut short by the 1917 Revolution. In recent years, however, their works have been available in self-published (Samizdat) editions. Underground, a great philosophical and spiritual rebirth was occuring. Now they are available again, and the next installment of the Russian idea is being prepared. This book is therefore essential reading for an understanding of the new Russia.

Genres: Philosophy, Russia, History, Russian Literature, Nonfiction, Theology, Politics

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1946

About the author

Nikolai Alexandrovich Berdyaev was born at Kyiv in 1874 of an aristocratic family. He commenced his education in a military school and subsequently entered the University of Kiev. There he accepted Marxism and took part in political agitation, for which he was expelled. At twenty-five he was exiled from Kiev to the north of Russia and narrowly escaped a second period of exile shortly before the Revolution. Before this, however, he had broken with Marxism in company with Sergius Bulgakov, and in 1909 he contributed to a symposium which reaffirmed the values of Orthodox Christianity. After the October Revolution he was appointed by the Bolshevists to a chair of philosophy in the University of Moscow, but soon fell into disfavour for his independent political opinions. He was twice imprisoned and in 1922 was expelled from the country. He settled first in Berlin, where he opened a Russian Academy of Philosophy and Religion. Thence he moved to Clamart near Paris, where he lectured in a similar institution. In 1939 he was invited to lecture at the Sorbonne. He lived through the German occupation unmolested. After the liberation, he announced his adhesion to the Soviet government, but later an article by him published in a Paris (Russian) newspaper, criticising the return to a policy of repression, was tantamount to a withdrawal of this. He died at Clamart March 24, 1948.

Reviews

[Jelena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vrlo interesantna istorijsko-filozofska studija ruske misli. Riječ je o avanturi ruske inteligencije, od njenog nastanka do njene uloge u posljednjoj ruskoj revoluciji.

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whirlwind through Russian history, philosophy, and theology at times read like The Silmarillion. Along with the typical Russian heavyweights like Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Vladimir Solovyov, and Sergei Bulgakov, Nikolai Berdyaev also delves into the work of lesser-known figures (at least to me!) such as the pioneering Aleksey Khomyakov, Dmitry Merezhkovsky, Nikolai Fyodorov, and Vasily Rozanov. At times I wished Berdyaev would have explained his points more and provided more context but this is an exhilarating tour through Russian thought, particularly as it pertains to the "Russian idea."

[Steve Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that will surprise anyone who is not familiar with its subject - Russian religious philosophy of the 19th and early 20th century, and is arguably its author's masterwork. He wrote it in the last years of his ife, in a Parisian exile that had begun in the early years of the Soviet Union, when a number of Christian thinkers were expelled on "philosophers' ships" to Germany. Most settled originally in Berlin before their emigre centre shifted to Paris. Berdyaev was a key figure of this emigration, and in many books over the 25 or so years of his exile till his death in the late 1940s he seemed to pour them out of an inexhaustible imagination. Readers not familiar with his work will perhaps find this the most accessible, though it is far from encompassing the range of his talent.

The Russian idea is an idea shared by a number of Russian Christian thinkers beginning with Khomyakov and ending, perhaps, with Berdyaev - at least till the end of the Soviet Union. It is too complex to deal with in this space and I might not do it justice. As I am in great debt to Berdyaev I made this book the subject of a thriller I have recently finished and published as an e-book on smashwords, with the same title, The Russian Idea - hoping that I might interest readers unfamiliar with Berdyaev and this subject in reading it.

[Jelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vrlo, vrlo interesantno. Berđajev daje istorijski prikaz razvijanja ruske religiozne filosofske misli. Od samog raskola do revolucije.

[Illiterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Berdyaev covers key topics in modern Russian thought. His own Russian messianism and Christian humanism are just about kept in check.

[Ermina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lijepa knjiga o ruskoj ideji i njenim najdominantnijim tokovima. Iako bježi od univerzalističkog predstavljanja, Berđajev, ipak, prokliže u njega, prikazujući Ruse kao naciju punu kontradikcija (nije li svaka takva).

Ni ova, niti bilo koja druga knjiga o nekom narodu neće čitateljima približiti taj narod, a Berđajevu kudos na pokušavanju.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this book must be (exactly so) read by every russian and everyone who want to understand russians

[Sirch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book not knowing to expect. I wanted to delve more into the Russian psyche since all through my life I’ve been awash with Western thought. It’s one of the best books I’ve read so far when it comes to Russian thought, how they’ve fallen into communism and how intertwined Orthodoxy and Russian culture.

The only caveat I have is it could go more in depth. Apart from this it is a good book.

[Grigory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Бердяев, возможно, единственный из русских авторов, кто преодолел одновременно проблему 1917 года, имперского и совеского периода, Московского царства и Петровской России, религии и атеизма, славянофилов и западников, революции и реакции, мещанства и героизма. Такую широту взглядов не мог осилить ни Достоевский, ни Толстой, ни евразийцы, ни социалисты.

[Mike_msc · Rating 4 out of 5]

По факту - ни страны, ни идеи. По итогам 100 лет, прошедших с момента написания книги. Хотя, возможно, все ещё будет...

[Mina Herz]

Must read. Slavophile author, obsessed with freedom, read his wiki page he's right up your street

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s such a bad cliche to talk about the Russian soul…but Berdyaev was so wrong he cane out right again on the other side.

[Andrej Poleev]

The Russian idea • Русская идея.
http://enzymes.at/download/2023.pdf

[Owlseyes]

Русская идея.

[nesquikboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

if we considering it as research material in the history of ideas of today's russian nationalism, so its kinda useful to engage to discourse by analytically reading

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 3 out of 5]

En spännande översikt, som jag plockade upp på måfå. Jag kommer försöka hitta fler böcker av Berdyaev.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai Berdyaev's "The Russian Idea" stands as a seminal work in Russian philosophical and cultural thought, offering an in-depth exploration of the unique spiritual and philosophical character of Russia. Berdyaev delves into the historical, religious, and cultural aspects that have shaped the Russian nation and its worldview. This review aims to provide an academic analysis of Berdyaev's arguments, highlighting the book's strengths, weaknesses, and its significance within the field of Russian intellectual history.


"The Russian Idea" by Nikolai Berdyaev delves into the profound spiritual and philosophical essence of Russia, seeking to uncover the distinctive features that differentiate it from Western civilization. Berdyaev analyzes the historical development of Russia, its religious heritage, the influence of Orthodox Christianity, and the impact of Russian mysticism on its cultural and intellectual traditions. Through a synthesis of historical analysis, religious philosophy, and cultural examination, Berdyaev offers a comprehensive exploration of the Russian national consciousness and its contribution to the broader human experience.

Berdyaev's work in "The Russian Idea" is notable for its emphasis on the spiritual and mystical dimensions of Russia's cultural heritage. He contends that Russia possesses a unique spiritual intuition and a capacity for profound religious experience that sets it apart from Western rationalism. Berdyaev argues that this distinctiveness has given rise to a vibrant cultural and philosophical tradition that embodies the Russian Idea—a worldview centered on spiritual freedom, creative suffering, and the pursuit of genuine human authenticity.


One of the notable strengths of "The Russian Idea" lies in Berdyaev's comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the Russian spiritual and cultural landscape. His exploration of the deep spiritual roots of Russian civilization offers readers a profound understanding of its unique character. Berdyaev's ability to synthesize historical, religious, and philosophical insights demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach and scholarly rigor.

Moreover, Berdyaev's writing style is characterized by his poetic sensibilities and evocative language. He effectively conveys the richness and depth of Russian culture, making his arguments compelling and engaging for readers. Berdyaev's deep appreciation for the Russian intellectual tradition shines through his prose, capturing the essence of the Russian Idea with eloquence and passion.


While "The Russian Idea" presents a compelling analysis of Russia's cultural and spiritual heritage, it is not without its limitations. Berdyaev's perspective can be seen as romanticized and idealized, potentially overlooking certain complexities and contradictions within Russian history and culture. His focus on the mystical and spiritual aspects may neglect other significant dimensions, such as political, economic, and social realities, that have influenced the Russian identity.

Furthermore, Berdyaev's work has been subject to criticism for its limited engagement with alternative interpretations of the Russian Idea. Some argue that his emphasis on spiritual and religious themes may overshadow the diverse and multifaceted nature of Russian intellectual thought. While Berdyaev's viewpoint offers valuable insights, readers should approach his arguments with a critical eye and consider other perspectives within the broader context of Russian intellectual history.


"The Russian Idea" holds significant importance within the field of Russian intellectual history as a seminal work that unravels the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of Russian culture. Berdyaev's exploration of the Russian national consciousness and its unique worldview invites readers to reconsider established narratives and engage in a deeper understanding of Russia's contributions to human civilization. Despite its limitations, the book's impact lies in its ability to stimulate intellectual discourse surrounding the distinctiveness of Russian culture and its enduring influence on the global stage.

GPT

[Jonathan Widell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever is different about the Russians, Nikolai A. Berdyaev captured it in this book. I think the book is very close to perfection. It is a historical account of that difficult-to-pin-down concept of the Russian soul. The work is like an essayist's take on Russian history and the role played by the Russian idea (or soul) in it. Berdyavev is not playing the philosopher when it is not needed. Rather, he embodies the Russian spirit on every page of the book. The result is a remarkably consistent work. Once he has explained what the Russian idea is, he goes on to describe its role at the different stages of Russian history, which as we know is marked by some radical transitions. Berdyayev manages to identify all those transitions as manifestations of the same idea. The book never becomes a boring treatise with long lists of names and years but an example of the Russian idea permeating everything that is said and done in this book. For instance, Berdyayev demonstrates that even the Communist revolution was in line with the Russian idea. The Russians had always had a different idea of property than the people in the West. When all the land belonged to the Czar, the people were not free but they had learned to consider everything they had as common. Once Berdyayev has pinned down the concept, he needs people to flesh it out. The personal sketches Berdayev offers of the key players, sometimes well-known, such as Mikhail Bakunin, more often than not practically unknown to others than Russians, such as Vissarion Belinsky and Alexander Hertzen, leaves the reader with the impression that nobody could have summed their characters any better. In the process, Berdyaev sketches a compelling portrait of himself. The result: a dialogue between him and the reader.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berdyaev questions what it is that makes Russians unique in their self-perception. His analysis tackles philosophy, literature, religion and politics, but leaves the boundaries between them wide open. He is admittedly biased towards certain thinkers (to paraphrase him, "some are more expressive than others") and eras of nationalism, but argues well in favor of that bias.

[Mixam Kvit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex account of the development of Russian thought.