A. S. Pushkin and A. N. Radishchev: two “journeys...”, two views on Russia

The article analyzes the controversy of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin (1799-1837) with Alexander Nikolayevich Radishchev (1749-1802). Their works are taken as the basis, respectively, “Journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg” (“Thoughts on the Road”, 1835) by Pushkin and “Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow” (1790) by Radishchev. If the last work is well known, being ideologized in the Soviet era (like the figure of Alexander Herzen), then only specialists know about the first. Meanwhile, Pushkin’s assessments, associated with criticism of Westernism, radicalism and Voltaireanism, are balanced and based on a deep study of the life and work of Radishchev (Pushkin also wrote a biographical essay «Alexander Radishchev»), they have novelty and relevance. In this regard, it seems relevant to turn again to the analysis of these works and their evaluation. The analysis is carried out in a broad historical context, associated with assessments of the activities of Peter the Great (1672-1725), 18th century enlighteners, among which Mikhail Lomonosov (1711-1765) occupies an outstanding place, whose assessments of the activities from Pushkin and Radishchev are noteworthy. Pushkin’s position can be defined as «enlightened conservatism» - an ideology that will further develop in Russian philosophy (F. Dostoevsky, collection “Vekhi” (“Landmarks”, 1909)) and which is so in demand today.