The idea of altruism in the context of the philosophy of N. A. Berdyaev

The article covers the research of altruism in the context of personalism of Russian philosopher N.A. Berdyaev. The important value of spiritual and humanistic content of the thinker’s works for Russian, Ukrainian, western cultures and philosophical thought is emphasized. The author considers N.A. Berdyaev’s interpretation of altruism, as well as such basic concepts of his philosophy as personality, freedom, creation, sobornost (spiritual community of many jointly living people), fruitful for deepening understanding of principles and manifestations of the altruism. Speaking against any tyranny, Berdyaev believed that the human salvation was in protection of the right to a decent life, creative expression realized in spiritual breakthrough for the truth and collegial cooperation of people, rather than in the advocacy of one’s selfish individualism.