Аннотация:This chapter introduces the major themes of Russian Cosmism, which include: active self-directed human evolution; the need for universal solutions to existential problems; the unity of knowledge and action, religion, art, magic, and science; universal immortality as a human task; and a view of man as a citizen not only of the earth but of the entire cosmos. The major Cosmists were polymath thinkers, embracing a variety of intellectual disciplines and apparent contradictions. They combined visionary, futuristic projects with a defense of traditional culture and institutions. A special feature of Cosmism was the attempt to discover scientific equivalents to investigations previously characterized as esoteric or occult. The chapter emphasizes both the Russian and universal character of Cosmist thought.
