Ivan A. Ilyin: The Social Ideal of “Aristocrat of the Spirit”

Abstract

This author examines understanding of social ideal in the ethical and political theory of Ivan Aleksandrovich Ilyin, emigre and ideologist of the “white” movement. Ilyin thought that the best possible social structure would emerge as a probable outcome of the activity of so-called “aristocracy of the spirit”. The article doubts the possibility of creating the public ideal through the energies of an intellectual who lost touch with the people. The people charged with the duty of obedience and respect to authorities, and with a command to love each other, and believe in God, the Tsar and the Fatherland, all these considered the basis of national unity, are actually denied their dignity. Ilyin’s shady speeches, as well as his contacts with Nazis cast doubts on the appropriateness of his ideas to serve as a guiding light of present political reforms in Russia.