The origin of the formation of personality and scientific interests of Dmitry Likhachev

In the article the subjective and objective factors which influenced Dmitry Likhachev’s world view and helped to form his scientific interests are analyzed. It also explains why his heritage are in demand nowadays. The personality of the scientist was formed in the context of the highest expressions of the Russian culture and scientific research. Due to his classical education, social and political views and scientific interests Likhachev has made a significant contribution to the development of national culture. Ideological censorship of the Soviet state could not prevent the "springing up of a new intelligentsia" in the country, and Likhachev became its moral leader. The scientist has proved himself as a perfectly honest person with unblemished scientific authority. Therefore, Likhachev’s contemporaries felt his appeal in defense of particular cultural values as the embodiment of historical justice as well as his protest against one or another form of barbarism.