People

Problems related to the role of the masses and individuals in history are included in the subject of social philosophy.

Philosophers trying to understand and comprehend the process of world history or the history of individual countries and peoples were faced with the question: what is the driving force of history, what causes and conditions the course and outcome of historical events, rise or decline in the lives of peoples, wars, uprisings, revolutions and others popular movements? At the head of all any significant events are one or another historical figure. These are people with different characters: with great will and determination or weak-willed; insightful, far-sighted, or vice versa.

These historical figures and personalities have a greater or lesser influence on the course and sometimes the outcome of events. Aren't these historical figures - Caesars, kings, tsars, political leaders, generals, ideologists - the true inspirers, movers, “culprits” of historical events, the main creators of history? Reactionary historiography attributes the creation of the Russian state to the Varangian princes, the unification of the principalities around Moscow, the gathering of Rus' to Ivan Kalita, and explains the transformation of Rus' into a powerful centralized state by the activities of Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great. Bourgeois and noble historians explain the English revolution of the 17th century as influenced by the personality of Cromwell. World history is the result of the activities of great or outstanding leaders - this is the conclusion that was made by historians, philosophers, and politicians based on an examination of historical events. (idealism). The Marxist view, without in any way belittling the role of the individual, sees the primacy of society, public relations

over the individual.

Of course, the role of the individual is great due to the special place and special function that it is called upon to perform. In general form historical figures are defined as follows:.

these are individuals elevated by force of circumstances and personal qualities to the pedestal of history The question of the role of personality in history has its roots in antiquity. Already ancient scientists laid the foundation for a tradition according to which the individual and society are considered in close interrelation. But the most fruitful era in resolving the issue of an outstanding personality was opened by the German classical idealism . According to Hegel, the most important an outstanding figure - a goal that contains such a universal that forms the basis in the existence of a people or state. It is the great people who best understand the essence of the matter, and all other people only assimilate this understanding of theirs and approve of it, or at least reconcile themselves with it. All other people follow these spiritual leaders because they feel the irresistible power of their inner spirit. People become great insofar as they want and realize great things, and, moreover, not imaginary and imaginary, but fair and necessary.

Hegel's concept has had big influence to interpret questions about the subjects of history of many philosophical teachings, including on Marxist concept. Marxists proceed from the position of the decisive role of the masses in history, emphasizing the ability of the individual to influence the course of history. historical process. Marxism removes the extremes of those historical and philosophical positions that overly emphasized either the role of the masses or individuals in the historical development of society. The roles of people and individuals in history are analyzed inextricably linked.

G. Hegel called world-historical personalities those few outstanding people whose personal interests contain a substantial element that constitutes the will of the World Spirit or the Reason of history. They are not only practical and political figures, but also thinking people, spiritual leaders who understand what is needed and what is timely, and who lead others, the masses. These people, albeit intuitively, feel and understand historical necessity and therefore, it would seem, should be in this sense free in their actions and deeds. But the tragedy of world-historical personalities is that “they do not belong to themselves, that they, like ordinary individuals, are only instruments of the World Spirit, albeit a great instrument.”

Studying the life and actions of historical figures, N. Machiavelli wrote that happiness gave them nothing except chance, which brought into their hands the material to which they could give forms according to their goals and principles. It was necessary that Moses should find the people of Israel in Egypt languishing in slavery and oppression, so that the desire to get out of such an intolerable situation would motivate them to follow him. And in order for Romulus to become the founder and king of Rome, it was necessary that at his very birth he was abandoned by everyone and removed from Alba. Indeed, the beginning of the glory of all these great people was generated by chance, but each of them was able to attach great importance to these occasions and take advantage of them for the glory and happiness of the peoples entrusted to them.”

I.V. Goethe: Napoleon, not only a brilliant historical figure, a brilliant commander and emperor, but above all a genius of “political productivity”, i.e. a figure whose unparalleled success and luck, “divine enlightenment” stemmed from the harmony between the direction of his personal activities and the interests of millions of people for whom he was able to find causes that coincided with their own aspirations.

History is made by people in accordance with objective laws. The people, according to I.A. Ilyin, there is a great divided and scattered multitude. Meanwhile, his strength, the energy of his being and self-affirmation require unity - a single center, a person, a person outstanding in intelligence and experience, expressing the legal will and state spirit of the people.

A historical figure must be assessed from the point of view of how he fulfills the tasks assigned to him by history. A progressive person accelerates the course of events. The magnitude and nature of acceleration depend on the social conditions in which the activity of a given individual takes place.

The very fact of being nominated for the role of a historical figure is precisely this person- it is an accident. The need for this promotion is determined by the historically established need of society for a person of precisely this kind to take the leading place. The fact that this particular person is born in a given country at a particular time is purely coincidental.

In progress historical activity both the strengths and weaknesses of the personality are revealed with particular sharpness and prominence. Both sometimes acquire enormous social meaning and influence the destinies of a nation, people, and sometimes even humanity.

Since in history the decisive and determining principle is not the individual, but the people, individuals always depend on the people.

The activity of a political leader presupposes the ability to make a deep theoretical generalization of the domestic and international situation of social practice, the achievements of science and culture in general, the ability to maintain simplicity and clarity of thought in the incredibly complex conditions of social reality and to carry out planned plans and programs. A wise statesman knows how to vigilantly monitor not only common line developments of events, but also behind many private “little things” - to simultaneously see both the forest and the trees. He must notice in time a change in the balance of social forces, and, before others, understand which path needs to be chosen, how to turn a ripe historical opportunity into reality.

A huge contribution to the development of the historical process is made by brilliant and exceptionally talented individuals who created and are creating spiritual values ​​in the field of science, technology, philosophy, literature, art, religious thought and deeds: the names of Heraclitus and Democritus, Plato and Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, Newton, Lomonosov, Mendeleev and Einstein, Goethe, Pushkin and Lermontov, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky and others. Their work left a deep mark in the history of world culture.

G. V. Plekhanov wrote about two conditions, the presence of which allows an outstanding personality to have a great influence on the socio-political, scientific, technical and artistic development of society.

Firstly, talent must make a given person more relevant than others to the social needs of a given era,

Secondly, the existing social order should not block the path of the individual with his abilities. If the old, feudal order in France had lasted an extra seventy years, then the military talents of a whole group of people led by Napoleon, some of whom were former actors, hairdressers, and lawyers, could not have emerged. When one or another outstanding personality finds himself at the forefront of historical events, he often obscures not only other personalities, but also those mass social forces that nominated and support him, thanks to which and in the name of which he can accomplish his affairs. This is how the “cult of personality” is born.

Charismatic historical figure- a spiritually gifted person who is perceived and assessed by others as unusual, sometimes even supernatural ( divine origin) in terms of the power of comprehension and influence on people, inaccessible to an ordinary person. The bearers of charisma are heroes, creators, reformers, acting either as heralds of the divine will, or as bearers of the idea of ​​a particularly high mind, or as geniuses who go against the usual order of things.

C. de Gaulle: there must be an element of mystery in the power of a leader: the leader must not be fully understood, hence both mystery and faith.

Weber: the charismatic power of a leader is based on boundless and unconditional, moreover, joyful submission and is supported primarily by faith in the chosenness and charisma of the ruler.

A lot depends on the head of state, but, of course, not everything. Much depends on what society elected him, what forces brought him to the level of head of state. The people are not a homogeneous and unequally educated force, and the fate of the country may depend on which groups of the population were in the majority in the elections and with what degree of understanding they carried out their civic duty. One can only say: such is the people, such is the person they choose.

TOPIC 24. MAN.

LESSON PLAN

I. Organization of the start of the lesson.

II. Report the topic and objectives of the lesson. Motivation for learning activities.

Goals:

Educational:

Know the definitions of “individual”, “individuality”, “personality”, their similarities and differences.

Educational:

Continue to improve your ability to be a reflective practitioner;

Improve the ability to evaluate information;

Develop skills to identify preconceived attitudes, opinions and judgments.

Educational:

Know and develop qualities successful person– conscientiousness, responsibility, hard work, fairness, mutual respect.

Motivation for educational activities: The purpose of life is to have meaning, and to improve yourself in relation to the meaning of life, and the more satisfied you are with your ability to achieve this ideal, the closer we are to realizing the problem of happiness.

III. Updating students' basic knowledge.

1. What are the features of Russian philosophy?

2. What stages of development did the Russian idea go through?

3. What are the prospects for the further development of the Russian idea?

4. What are the main features of the program for the development of Russian philosophy by I.V. Kireevsky?

IV. Learning new material.

Lecture plan.

Man as an individual, as an individual.

2. Man as a personality.

3. The role of personality in history.

Literature

1. Introduction to philosophy. Frolov I.T. (in two parts) M.1989

2. Spirkin A.G. Philosophy: textbook. M.2004. Introductory word.

3. Stepin V.S. Philosophy. Mn. 2006.

4. Petrov V.P. Philosophy. M. 2012. Lecture 1.

5. Philosophy. (team of scientists) Rostov n/a. 2001.

6. Yakushev A.V. Philosophy. M., 2004.

V. Consolidation of new knowledge.

1. Who is this person?

2. Why are the concepts used to characterize a person: person, individual, individuality, personality?

3. What is a “historical figure”?

4. Can a person really play a historical role in history?

VI. Summing up the lesson.

VII. Homework message.

1. Give brief description the concept of "individual"?

2. Establish the differences between an individual and an individual?

3. What qualities are inherent in personality?

Man as an individual, as an individual

Individual.

To characterize a person as an individual phenomenon, a number of special terms are used in philosophical and psychological literature. The most important of them are the individual, individuality, personality, subject, Self, etc. Each of these concepts has specific content. Man is a unique phenomenon in the Universe. He is unique, mysterious. Neither modern science, neither religion nor philosophy can fully reveal the mystery of man. When philosophers talk about the nature and essence of man, or his other characteristics, then we are talking not so much about their final disclosure, but rather about the desire to return to them again and, perhaps, supplement or clarify them. The concepts of “nature” and “essence” in relation to humans are often used as synonyms. However, there is a difference between them. The “nature” of a person means persistent, unchanging features, general inclinations and properties that express his characteristics as a living being, which are inherent in him at all times, regardless of biological evolution (from the moment of human formation) and the historical process. Human nature is revealed by such concepts as “individual”, “subject”, since they include such characteristics as will, specificity of thought processes, affectivity, characteristics of neurodynamics, gender, age, constitutional differences, etc. The characteristics of “individuality” are more associated with the concept of human essence " and "personality". In a more strict form, the term “individual” is used to designate any individual representative of the human race. In social philosophy, this term denotes a single representative of a separate whole. The individual is “instance,” that is, not just one, but “one of.” The individual is biosocial being, genetically related to other forms of life, but separated from them due to the ability to produce tools, think abstractly and adapt to their needs the world. Man as an individual, possessing specifically unique traits that differ from typicality - individuality, was formed as a herd, social creature. Therefore, at every moment it exists as a “product” of social relations. Society not only surrounds a person, but also lives “within him”. The era in which a person was born and formed, the level of culture that society has reached; way of life, way of feeling and spirituality (mentality) - all this leaves a mark on individual behavior, determines initial, often unconscious, attitudes and influences the motives of actions. A person not only has to reckon with the conditions and capabilities of the existing society, he must also understand that he owes it many qualities that at first seemed to be independent acquisitions. Characterizing an individual as a product of social relations does not mean, however, that the initial conditions of individual existence (for example, the nature of upbringing, family or social environment) once and for all predetermine a person’s subsequent behavior.

Individuality. The irreducibility of a person to the general features of his natural essence or social group position, the relative independence of behavior from the factors that originally determined it, the ability to be responsible for his appearance, to have value and significance in the eyes of society - all these characteristics fix “individuality” and “personality”, close and interrelated concepts. They express not only the difference between man and animals, but his essence. Born as an individual, a person becomes a personality later. And this process is social in nature.

Individuality as the further development of a person is its essential characteristic, since it reflects unique way precisely his existence. Individuality is the originality of feelings and character traits, originality of thinking, talents and abilities inherent only to a given individual, it is a set of properties and characteristics that distinguish a given individual from all others, a characteristic of the uniqueness of a person, his uniqueness and originality, his irreplaceability.

2. Man as a personality. The concept of personality emphasizes in a person, first of all, the conscious-volitional and cultural-social beginning. The more an individual deserves the right to be called a person, the more clearly he understands the motives of his behavior and the more strictly he controls it, subordinating his behavior to a single life strategy and responsibility. What is interesting about a person is her actions. A personality is determined by what line of behavior it chooses. Personality is its own initiator of a sequential series of life events. The dignity of a person is determined not so much by how much a person has achieved, but by what and how he took responsibility, what he imputes to himself. It is very difficult to be an individual. And this applies not only to outstanding individuals who have assumed responsibility not only for themselves, but also for the country, for the people or humanity as a whole, for a political or intellectual movement, but also for any individual in general. Personal existence is a continuous effort. There is no personality where the individual refuses to take the risk of choice, tries to evade an objective assessment of his actions and analysis of his motives. In a real system of social relations, evasion of independent decisions and responsibility is tantamount to admitting personal failure and consent to a subordinate existence, to petty social and bureaucratic supervision. For the deficiency of the conscious-volitional principle, people have to pay with a failed destiny, disappointment and a feeling of their own inferiority.

In the social literature there are different approaches to understanding what personality is: A). A personality is described in terms of its own motives and aspirations, which constitute the content of its “personal world” - a unique system of personal meanings, individually unique ways of organizing external impressions and internal experiences. B). Personality is considered as a system of relatively stable, externally manifested characteristics of individuality, which are enshrined in the subject’s judgments about himself, as well as in the judgments of other people about him. IN). A personality is characterized as an active, active “I-subject”, as a system of plans, relationships, directions, semantic formations that characterize its behavior outside, beyond the limits of its initial positions. G). A personality is considered as a subject of personalization: that is, when the needs, abilities, aspirations, and values ​​of a given subject cause changes in other people, influence them, and determine their orientations. By and large, philosophy considers a person to be an individual who has his own position in life, which he comes to and realizes through great spiritual work on himself. Such a person demonstrates independence of thought, originality of feelings, a certain integrity of nature, inner passion, creative streak, etc. Personality is a socialized individual, considered from the perspective of the most essential and significant social qualities. A personality is a self-motivated, self-organizing particle of society, taking into account the features and characteristics of the society in which it exists, respecting culture and universal values, respecting them and making its feasible contribution to universal human culture and history.

Summarizing the concept of personality, we can draw the following conclusions: 1. The concepts of “person”, “individual”, “subject of activity”, “individuality”, “personality” are not unambiguous and contain differences. 2. It is necessary to take into account extreme interpretations of the concept of “personality”: expansive – here personality is identified with the concept of “person” (any person is a person); elitist understanding - when the individual is viewed as a special level social development(not every person can and does become a person). 3. There are different points view on the relationship between biological and social in personality development. Some include biological organization in the personality structure; others consider biological data only as given conditions for personal development, which do not determine the psychological and social characteristics of the individual. 4. Personalities are, in fact, not born. They become, and the formation lasts virtually all their lives. Data show that in ontogenesis (individual development) personal qualities are formed quite late, even normally, and some never seem to “grow up,” which is why there is a large percentage of infantile people. 5. Personality is the result of successful socialization of a person, but not its passive product, but the result of one’s own efforts. Only in activity does an individual act and assert himself as a person. Preserving oneself as an individual is the law of human dignity; without it, our civilization would lose the right to be called human. A person simply must be an individual, strive to become an individual. The level of personal development is measured by the expression of a person’s intellectual, moral and volitional qualities, the coincidence of his life orientations with universal human values, a positive indicator of the functioning of these qualities. Personality is characterized by spirit, freedom, creativity, goodness, and affirmation of beauty. What makes a person an individual is caring for another person, autonomy in making decisions and the ability to take responsibility for them.

The role of personality in history.

Often philosophy, when developing this problem, exaggerated the role of the individual in the historical process and, above all, of statesmen, while believing that almost everything is decided by outstanding individuals. Kings, tsars, political leaders, generals, supposedly, can control all of history and control it, like a kind of puppet theater, where there are puppeteers and puppets. Historical figures are individuals placed on the pedestal of history by force of circumstances and personal qualities. Hegel called world-historical personalities those few outstanding people whose personal interests contain substantial components: will, world spirit or the mind of history. “They draw their strength, goals and their calling from a source, the contents of which are hidden, which is still underground and knocking on the outside world, like on a shell, breaking it” (Hegel. Works. Vol. IX, p.98).

“By studying the life and work of historical figures, one can notice,” Machiavelli wrote in “The Prince,” “that happiness gave them nothing except chance, which brought into their hands the material to which they could give forms according to their goals and principles; without such the chance of their valor could fade away without application; without their personal merits, the chance that gave them power would not have been fruitful and could have passed without a trace.” It was necessary, for example, that Moses should find the people of Israel in Egypt languishing in slavery and oppression, so that the desire to escape from such an intolerable situation would motivate them to follow him.

According to Goethe, Napoleon became a historical figure, first of all, not because of his personal qualities (he, however, had many), but the most important thing is that “people, by submitting to him, expected thereby to achieve their own goals. That is why they followed him, as they follow anyone who inspires them with this kind of confidence" (Goethe. Collected works. T., 15. pp. 44-45). Interesting in this regard is Plato’s statement: “The world will only become happy when wise men become kings or kings become wise men” (Quoted from: Eckerman. Conversations with Goethe. M., 1981, p. 449). No less interesting is the opinion of Cicero, who believed that the strength of a people is more terrible when it does not have a leader. The leader feels that he will be responsible for everything, and is concerned about this, while the people, blinded by passion, do not see the danger to which they are exposing themselves.

Having become, by chance or by necessity, the head of a state, a person can have different influences on the course and outcome of historical events: positive, negative, or, as is more often the case, both. Therefore, society is far from indifferent in whose hands political and state power is concentrated. A lot depends on her. V. Hugo wrote: " Distinctive feature true statesmen precisely consist in taking advantage of every necessity, and sometimes even turning a fatal coincidence of circumstances for the benefit of the state" (Hugo V. Sobr. op. Vol. 15, pp. 44-45). There is only one leader, if this is a genius, must subtly “eavesdrop” on the thoughts of the people. In this regard, the reasoning of A.I. Herzen is curious: “A person is very strong, a person placed in a royal place is even stronger. But here again the old thing: he is strong with the current and the stronger the more he understands it. But the flow continues even when he does not understand it and even when he resists it" (quoted from: Lichtenberg G. Aphorisms. M., 1983, p. 144).

This historical detail is curious. Catherine the Second, when asked by a foreigner why the nobility obeyed her so unconditionally, replied: “Because I order them only what they themselves want.” But high power, however, also carries heavy responsibilities. The Bible says: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Matthew: 95,24-28; Luke: 12, 48). Do all past and present rulers know and follow these commandments?

An outstanding personality must have high charisma. Charisma is a “divine spark”, an exceptional gift, outstanding abilities that are “from nature”, “from God”. A charismatic personality itself spiritually influences its environment. The environment of a charismatic leader can be a “community” of disciples, warriors, co-religionists, that is, it is a kind of “caste-party” community, which is formed on charismatic grounds: the disciples correspond to the prophet, the retinue to the military leader, the trusted persons to the leader. A charismatic leader surrounds himself with those in whom he intuitively and with the power of mind guesses and grasps a gift similar to himself, but “shorter in stature.” It seems that of all the above concepts about the place and role of a leader, a manager, the most acceptable seems to be such a happy option when a sage becomes the head of the state, but not on his own, not a sage for himself, but a sage who clearly and timely captures the mood of the people who have entrusted power to him, who knows how to make his people happy and prosperous.

A multifaceted historical process that develops due to the preferences of people, both forced (for example, the essential provision of their lives) and targeted (from their own enrichment to solving national issues). But K. Marx also wrote that people should eat, drink, dress, have a roof over their heads, and then they can engage in science and art. In other words, the foundation of society is material production, which is created not by the hero, but by the nation.

Examples of Alexander the Great, Napoleon and others are often cited, who had a significant influence on history, which is undoubtedly true, but the economic and political situation in their countries, which made it possible to realize the ambitions of these people, is overlooked. Without the army and its equipment, they would not have done anything, and the power of the army depends on the economy of society, and therefore on the people.
Thus, material production and its development are the basis of the historical process, and it is not the hero, but the people who create the wealth of the nation (the question of its distribution is important, and has always been the basis of subjective decisions) determines history (but the term “creates” is not correct, both due to the laws of development and the known passivity of the masses).
Due to the coexistence of people, their actions take on a socialized character, which determines the composition of their preferences and actions, which, due to the clarity and typification of goals (enrichment, service to society...) acquire a target character, expressed in the development of productive forces and a change in the processes of distribution and consumption of the national product . This leads to the unification of forms of development, which, based on objectivity and the development of productive forces, acquires a certain pattern. Historical production laws are discussed in political economy, historical and social laws - in social philosophy (“ Social philosophy V The latest philosophy"). The development of society, thus, for some time now turned out to be inevitably determined in connection with the objectivity of the development of production and the economy in society as a whole. But the development of society is inseparable from public consciousness, first of all, because production development is determined by subjective goals and motives, the main of which are distribution and consumption, as well as enrichment (i.e. related to material production).
Thus, history represents the unity of the objective and the subjective: on the one hand, it develops independently of the will of people, and, on the other hand, history is the history of humanity, of people as spiritual individuals with goals.

In dialectical philosophy, it is determined that in the development of society, contradictions constantly arise between existing orders and emerging opportunities to change them in one way or another, up to the personal enrichment of a separate group of people or ambitions of expansion into foreign territories. In the specific conditions created, the decision to overcome the contradiction can be made by one person, or by the person who organized the party, or by the person who co-organized the society. Therefore, a leader is updated in history, who resolves the emerging contradiction in one direction or another. The leader must correspond to the situation, but in general the hero in a particular situation may not be noticed.
According to Hegel, emerging possibilities contain the universal, which has historical meaning, and historical transformations can only be realized by outstanding people. Then the leaders, " historical people, world-historical personalities are those for whose purposes such a universal is contained.” They act at a time when the need for radical changes is ripe, and when the conditions for them exist, i.e. objective conditions are the main ones.
Therefore, the specificity of the role of the individual lies in its compliance with the conditions of development and contradictions in public life, both objective (productive forces) and subjective (state of social consciousness, criticality of the situation, goals). But the methods and goals for solving a problem depend on both the leader and society. If it is silent, then the decision will be made only by the leader, and it may not always be adequate to the situation and moral principles.

At certain stages, when (in certain conditions) society is without initiative (subordinate, subordinate, passive, inactive, etc.), the personal qualities and goals of a certain person, often supported and promoted, acquire their role certain people. Such a person, a leader, can solve problems according to his goals (for himself, his environment, for the purposes of society or achieving an idea).
Passivity of society can also be achieved artificially (for example, through fear, as under Stalin).
Initiative and activity should not be understood in the sense of rebellion (and a revolution needs a leader and objective conditions), but in their sense they are possible only in a normal socialist (not communist), industrial-social (ISO) and nation-wide state.

And yet, the whole story cannot be reduced to necessity, regularity and exclude chance (by the way, it itself is objective and “not random”) or personal motives, especially profit, which is extremely strong, and the further, the more, especially among the rich, just and capitalist countries in power (although this fact is itself natural).
The role of a person in critical situations is especially great; accordingly, for a nation - the role of a leader in a critical situation (during war, crisis...).
But subjective changes in the short term, which may depend on the leader, cannot change the course of history, which is naturally determined objectively.

In the sense of the above, one should understand the differences in the roles of national leaders, politicians and petty politicians.

It is impossible not to take into account the role of scientists and artists, who, with their achievements, directly or indirectly influence changes in the consciousness and potential of society and, consequently, the productive forces.

When discussing the role of personality in history, the following points should be taken into account.
a) Idealistic, bourgeois and weak-hearted positions determine the leading role of the individual, and not the laws of development of society, but for different reasons: respectively, due to the understanding of the dominance of consciousness (ideas rule the world), for the class goals of capitalists and due to a weak civic position, uncertainty in people. Although a number of thinkers creatively explored the issue of the predominant influence of the individual on history. But in all cases, the question was reduced to political history, and the people were assigned the role of a faceless mass, with which I categorically disagree dialectical philosophy.
b) The role of a leader cannot be associated only with his personal qualities, although critical actions can be explained even from the point of view of psychiatry.
At the same time, a number of researchers write about the conditions for educating future leaders, about their education and character traits, which, in general, are due to an explicit or implicit idealistic or customized position.
c) I would like the public leader to proceed, according to Chernyshevsky, from public interests, or, according to Jaspers, to feel responsible for the freedom of other people. But the paradox of history is that under dictators more significant successes are achieved.

The nation needs a leader, but without the concentrated efforts of the society itself, not a single leader, not a single hero can do anything. Therefore, in the ideosophy of modern political economy, it was concluded that for fundamental positive changes, complete consolidation of the actions of the leader and the entire society is necessary, and subject to the full assistance of the leader from society.

There are a great many people who changed the world. These are famous doctors who invented cures for diseases and learned how to perform complex operations; politicians who started wars and conquered countries; astronauts who first orbited the Earth and set foot on the Moon, and so on. There are thousands of them, and it is impossible to tell about them all. This article lists only a small part of these geniuses, thanks to whom scientific discoveries, new reforms and trends in art appeared. They are individuals who changed the course of history.

Alexander Suvorov

The great commander who lived in the 18th century became a cult person. He is a person who influenced the course of history with his mastery of strategy and skillful planning of war tactics. His name is written in golden letters in the annals of Russian history; he is remembered as a tireless, brilliant military commander.

Alexander Suvorov devoted his entire life to battles and battles. He is a participant in seven wars, led 60 battles without knowing defeat. His literary talent manifested itself in a book in which he teaches the younger generation the art of warfare, shares his experience and knowledge. In this area, Suvorov was many years ahead of his era.

His merit lies primarily in the fact that he improved the tendencies of warfare and developed new methods of offensives and attacks. His entire science was based on three pillars: pressure, speed and eye. This principle developed the soldiers' sense of purpose, development of initiative and a sense of mutual assistance in relation to their colleagues. In battles, he always walked ahead of ordinary military men, showing them an example of courage and heroism.

Catherine II

This woman is a phenomenon. Like all other personalities who influenced the course of history, she was charismatic, strong and intelligent. She was born in Germany, but in 1744 she came to Russia as a bride for the Empress’s nephew, Grand Duke Peter the Third. Her husband was uninteresting and apathetic, they hardly communicated. Catherine spent all her free time reading legal and economic works; she was captivated by the idea of ​​the Enlightenment. Having found like-minded people at court, she easily overthrew her husband from the throne and became the full-fledged ruler of the Russian Empire.

The period of her reign is called “golden” for the nobility. The ruler reformed the Senate, took church lands into the state treasury, which enriched the state and made life easier for ordinary peasants. In this case, the influence of an individual on the course of history implies the adoption of a mass of new legislative acts. On Catherine’s account: provincial reform, expansion of the rights and freedoms of the nobility, the creation of estates following the example of Western European society and the restoration of Russia’s authority throughout the world.

Peter the First

Another ruler of Russia, who lived a hundred years earlier than Catherine, also played a huge role in the development of the state. He is not just a person who influenced the course of history. Peter 1 became a national genius. He was hailed as an educator, a “beacon of the era,” the savior of Russia, a man who opened the eyes of the common people to the European style of life and government. Remember the phrase “window to Europe”? So, it was Peter the Great who “cut through” it in spite of all the envious people.

Tsar Peter became a great reformer; his changes in state foundations at first frightened the nobility, and then aroused admiration. This is a personality who influenced the course of history by the fact that, thanks to him, progressive discoveries and achievements were introduced into “hungry and unwashed” Russia Western countries. Peter the Great managed to expand the economic and cultural borders of his empire and conquered new lands. Russia was recognized as a great power and its role in the international arena was appreciated.

Alexander II

After Peter the Great, this was the only tsar who began to carry out such large-scale reforms. His innovations completely renewed the appearance of Russia. Like others famous personalities who changed the course of history, this ruler deserved respect and recognition. The period of his reign falls on the 19th century.

The tsar's main achievement was in Russia, which hampered the economic and cultural development of the country. Of course, Alexander the Second’s predecessors, Catherine the Great and Nicholas the First, also thought about eliminating a system very similar to slavery. But none of them decided to turn the foundations of the state upside down.

Such drastic changes occurred quite late, since a rebellion of dissatisfied people was already brewing in the country. In addition, reforms stalled in the 1880s, which angered revolutionary youth. The reformer Tsar became the target of their terror, which led to the end of the reforms and completely influenced the development of Russia in the future.

Lenin

Vladimir Ilyich, a famous revolutionary, a personality who influenced the course of history. Lenin led a revolt in Russia against the autocracy. He led the revolutionaries to the barricades, as a result of which Tsar Nicholas II was overthrown and the communists came to power, whose rule spanned a century and led to significant, dramatic changes in the lives of ordinary people.

Studying the works of Engels and Marx, Lenin advocated equality and strongly condemned capitalism. The theory is good, but in reality it was difficult to implement, since the representatives of the elite still lived in luxury, while ordinary workers and peasants worked hard around the clock. But that was later, during Lenin’s time, at first glance, everything turned out the way he wanted it.

During Lenin's reign such important events, like the First World War, the Civil War in Russia, the cruel and ridiculous execution of the entire royal family, transfer of the capital from St. Petersburg to Moscow, founding of the Red Army, complete establishment Soviet power and the adoption of its first Constitution.

Stalin

People who changed the course of history... On their list, the name of Joseph Vissarionovich glows in bright scarlet letters. He became the "terrorist" of his time. The establishment of a network of camps, the exile of millions of innocent people there, the execution of entire families for dissent, artificial famine - all this radically changed people's lives. Some considered Stalin to be the devil, others to be God, since it was he who at that time decided the fate of every citizen of the Soviet Union. He was neither one nor the other, of course. The intimidated people themselves put him on a pedestal. The cult of personality was created on the basis of universal fear and the blood of the innocent victims of the era.

The personality who influenced the course of history, Stalin, distinguished himself not only by mass terror. Of course, his contribution to Russian history also has a positive side. It was during his reign that the state made a powerful economic breakthrough, scientific institutions and culture began to develop. It was he who stood at the head of the army that defeated Hitler and saved all of Europe from fascism.

Nikita Khrushchev

This is a very controversial personality who influenced the course of history. His versatile nature is well demonstrated by the tombstone erected for him, which was simultaneously made of white and black stone. Khrushchev, on the one hand, was Stalin’s man, and on the other, a leader who tried to trample on the cult of personality. He began radical reforms that were supposed to completely change the bloody system, released millions of innocent prisoners from the camps, and pardoned hundreds of thousands of those sentenced to death. This period was even called the “thaw”, as persecution and terror ceased.

But Khrushchev did not know how to bring big things to the end, so his reforms can be called half-hearted. His lack of education made him a narrow-minded person, but his excellent intuition, natural common sense and political instincts helped him stay in the highest echelons of power for so long and find a way out in critical situations. It was thanks to Khrushchev that it was possible to avoid a nuclear war during and also turn the bloodiest page in the history of Russia.

Dmitriy Mendeleev

Russia gave birth to many great generalists who improved various areas of science. But Mendeleev is worth highlighting, since his contribution to its development is invaluable. Chemistry, physics, geology, economics, sociology - Mendeleev managed to study all this and open new horizons in these fields. He was also a famous shipbuilder, aeronaut and encyclopedist.

The person who influenced the course of history, Mendeleev, discovered a way to predict the appearance of new chemical elements, the discovery of which continues to this day. His table is the basis of chemistry lessons at school and university. Among his achievements is also a complete study of gas dynamics, experiments that helped to derive the equation of state of gas.

In addition, the scientist actively studied the properties of oil, developed a policy for injecting investment into the economy and proposed optimizing the customs service. Many ministers of the tsarist government used his invaluable advice.

Ivan Pavlov

Like all individuals who influenced the course of history, he was a very smart person, had a broad outlook and inner intuition. Ivan Pavlov actively used animals in his experiments, trying to identify common features of the life activity of complex organisms, including humans.

Pavlov was able to prove the diverse activity of nerve endings in the cardiovascular system. He showed how he could regulate blood pressure. He also became the discoverer of the trophic nervous function, which consists in the influence of nerves on the process of regeneration and tissue formation.

He later became involved in the physiology of the digestive tract, which resulted in him receiving the Nobel Prize in 1904. His main achievement is considered to be the study of the functioning of the brain, higher nervous activity, conditioned reflexes and the so-called human signaling system. His works became the basis of many theories in medicine.

Mikhail Lomonosov

He lived and worked during the reign of Peter the Great. Then the emphasis was placed on the development of education and enlightenment, and the first Academy of Sciences was created in Russia, in which Lomonosov spent many of his days. He, a simple peasant, was able to rise to incredible heights, run up the social ladder and turn into a scientist, whose trail of fame stretches to this day.

He was interested in everything related to physics and chemistry. He dreamed of freeing the latter from the influence of medicine and pharmaceuticals. It was thanks to him that modern physical chemistry was born as a science and began to actively develop. In addition, he was a famous encyclopedist, studied history and wrote chronicles. He considered Peter the Great an ideal ruler, key figure in the formation of the state. In their scientific works he described him as a mastermind who changed history and redefined the system of government. Through the efforts of Lomonosov, the first university in Russia was founded - Moscow. Since that time, higher education began to develop.

Yuri Gagarin

People who influenced the course of history... It is difficult to imagine their list without the name of Yuri Gagarin, the man who conquered space. Star space has attracted people for many centuries, but only in the last century did humanity begin to explore it. At that time, the technical base for such flights was already well developed.

The space age was marked by competition between the Soviet Union and the United States. The leaders of giant countries tried to show their power and superiority, and space was one of the best options to demonstrate this. In the middle of the 20th century, competition began over who could send a person into orbit the fastest. The USSR won this race. We all know the landmark date from school: April 12, 1961, the first cosmonaut flew into orbit, where he spent 108 minutes. This hero's name was Yuri Gagarin. The day after his journey into space, he woke up famous throughout the world. Although, paradoxically, I never considered myself great. Gagarin often said that during that hour and a half he did not even have time to understand what was happening to him and what his feelings were.

Alexander Pushkin

He is called "the sun of Russian poetry." He has long become a national symbol of Russia, his poems, poems and prose are highly valued and revered. And not only in the countries of the former Soviet Union, but throughout the world. Almost every city in Russia has a street, square or square named after Alexander Pushkin. Children study his work at school, devoting him not only during school hours, but also outside of school hours in the form of themed literary evenings.

This man created such harmonious poetry that it has no equal in the whole world. It was with his work that the development of new literature and all its genres began - from poetry to theatrical plays. Pushkin is read in one breath. It is characterized by accuracy and rhythm of lines, they are quickly remembered and easily recited. If we also take into account the enlightenment of this person, his strength of character and deep inner core, then we can say that he is truly a person who influenced the course of history. He taught the people to speak Russian in its modern interpretation.

Other historical figures

There are so many of them that it would be impossible to list them all in one article. Here are examples of a small part of Russian figures who changed history. How many others are there? This is Gogol, and Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy. If we analyze foreign personalities, we cannot help but note the ancient philosophers: Aristotle and Plato; artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Monet; geographers and discoverers of lands: Magellan, Cook and Columbus; scientists: Galileo and Newton; politicians: Thatcher, Kennedy and Hitler; inventors: Bell and Edison.

All these people were able to completely turn the world upside down, create their own laws and scientific discoveries. Some of them made the world a better place, while others almost destroyed it. In any case, every person on planet Earth knows their names and understands that without these individuals our life would be completely different. Reading biographies famous people, we often find idols for ourselves, from whom we want to take an example and be equal in all our deeds and actions.

Text from the Unified State Examination

(1) History is not faceless. (2) Many names are carved on its pages, the memory of which survives centuries, decades. (3) These are the names of the heroes. (4) At all times, people have revered heroes. (5) They were the national pride of the peoples, stories about them were passed down from generation to generation, legends were formed. (b) Thousands and thousands of volumes in many languages ​​of the world depict the deeds and accomplishments of heroic individuals. (7) Streets and squares are named after heroes, exhibitions in museums are dedicated to them, songs are sung and poems are written about them. (8) Upon superficial examination, one may get the impression that only great people - the heroes of history - carry out its affairs. (9) For centuries this view of the role of outstanding individuals, heroes among the crowd, was dominant. (10) Such views on the role of heroes in human history“substantiated” also theoretically. (11) The English thinker Thomas Carlyle in his book “Heroes, Hero Cult and the Heroic in History” argued that The World History is, in essence, the history of great people. (12) In his opinion, the hero who possesses the traits of cruelty, merciless authority and determination to use force is capable of playing a messianic role in history.

(13) Russian sociologist Nikolai Mikhailovsky in his work “The Hero and the Crowd” wrote that the hero is the main creator of history. (14) Modern life, he argued, empties the consciousness of people and paralyzes their will, as a result of which the masses turn into a “crowd.” (15) And only a “hero” is able to raise and captivate her to a feat or crime.

(16) Such views, expressing the essence of the theories of “elites”, “leaders”, in a camouflaged form affirm the historical conditionality of the power of a chosen minority, the necessity of “ strong hand» those at the top of the power pyramid.

(17) G.V. Plekhanov, wittily ridiculing this theory, wrote that for the populists, the masses represent an endless series of zeros. (18) Only one can turn this chain of zeros into a positive value - the hero, standing at the head of the faceless row. "(19) great person, wrote G.V. Plekhanov in his work “On the Question of the Role of the Individual in History” is great... in that he has characteristics that make him most capable of serving the great social needs of his time... (20) A great man is precisely a beginner, because he sees further others and wants more than others. (21) He solves scientific problems put on the queue by the previous move mental development society; it indicates new social needs created by the previous development of social relations; he takes upon himself the satisfaction of these needs. (22) He is a hero. (23) Not in the sense that a hero can stop or change the natural course of things, but in the sense that his activity is a conscious and free expression of this necessary and unconscious course.” (24) Outstanding personalities and heroes appear when people need them. (25) If the actions of these individuals coincide with the main progressive trends social development, the interests of the advanced classes, their role is exceptionally great.

(According to D.A. Volkogonov)

Introduction

History is accomplished by the interaction of huge masses of people. But at the head of events there is always someone leading the process or someone who was able to turn what was happening in a different direction, turn the tide of history.

Problem

Who are these people? What is their significance for society and history? Can one person influence the course of historical events? V.A. reflects on the role of personality in history. Volkogonov in his text, comparing the points of view on this issue of various philosophers.

A comment

Heroes stand at the head of history, they leave memories of themselves for all time, they are revered, admired, legends and traditions are made about them. Streets are named after them, exhibitions are dedicated to them, poems and songs are written to their glory.

For example, Thomas Cargail, an Englishman, assured that it is great people who are at the head of history. They, even endowed with traits of cruelty and unquestioningness, become saviors for society.

Another thinker, Nikolai Mikhailovsky, also asserts the dominant role of the hero in history. The common man in our time is so impersonal and paralyzed that he is unable to influence history; he simply does not think about it. The crowd is not able to move forward on its own; only the hero is able to direct it to the right path.

G.V. Plekhanov presents a different point of view. In his opinion, any person who can look far into the future and who wants change more than anyone can become a historical maker. He is a beginner, solving problems posed by previous generations. He undertakes to meet the needs of his people.

Author's position

Volkogonov is close to Plekhanov’s position. He shares the idea that the hero sees further than others, all his actions express the decisive course of history.

Your position

Volkogonov’s position is close and understandable to me. Indeed, a hero is not only a representative high society having power. First of all, this is a person who understands the needs of his people and fights for their well-being.

Argument No. 1

Remembering the classics, we find confirmation of this. L.N. Tolstoy, in his epic novel War and Peace, depicts the course of history over decades, and one of the main themes of the novel is the role of the individual in history. The work presents images of emperors and generals - Napoleon, Alexander the First, Kutuzov. Which one is truly the hero guiding the course of history?

Tolstoy believes that a true hero reflects the interests of the people and follows the people's morality. Alexander the First does not understand the needs of the people at all, does not know what is important for his people and country in this moment. Napoleon is so vain and ambitious that he does not understand at all what he is pushing his troops to do. Kutuzov seems to Tolstoy to be the true leader and maker of history, because he strives to realize the interests of an entire people. He becomes an exponent of the people's soul and the embodiment of patriotism.

Argument No. 2

The problem of the role of personality in history is raised by F.M. Dostoevsky in the novel “Crime and Punishment”. The true reason for Raskolnikov's actions is the murder of an old pawnbroker and her feeble-minded pregnant sister - a test of the effectiveness of his own theory. Raskolnikov divided people into two types: “those with the right” and “trembling creatures.”

The former create history by breaking the law, the latter obediently follow the will of the former. Napoleon, Mohammed and many other leaders shed blood and were criminals. It is they, according to Rodion, who move the course of history and guide humanity forward.

But Raskolnikov's theory turned out to be false. It was not confirmed. Above all the others in terms of fortitude was a little girl, humiliated and insulted, Sonya Marmeladova. And Raskolnikov himself, testing the effectiveness of the theory, subjected himself to incredible torture.

Conclusion

The problem of the role of personality in history is multifaceted and complex. It is also relevant in our modern life, when the world is in limbo, when people close to power are ready to use any means to achieve their goals.

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