Traditional humanistic values in the universe of modern culture

The article examines the issue that is particularly relevant for Russia, namely, the possibility of being guided by traditional values in the modern world. Isn’t this a utopia and an attempt to return to the past? The author believes that, although history “does not go back”, traditional values do not only relate to the past. In general, it makes sense to follow only traditional humanistic values that have been developed over centuries, are universal and do not lose their significance today. Historically, they were formed in the pre-modern era as an affirmation of the value of life and related, first of all, to collective existence at all levels of community. Subsequently, on their basis, the values of modernity are formed, which bring forward the significance of the individual, his freedom and creativity. As a result, these two guidelines are combined: the values of the individual can be affirmed and observed only when society acts on the basis of “pre-modern” values (including patriotism, statehood, justice), that is, those regulations that can ensure the individual – as values – his development. The second part of the article is devoted to the conceptual expression of values, established intellectual traditions that can be relied upon to create an axiological synthesis. This is the Christian ideal of selfless benevolence, which has actively entered into secular humanism; this is the Marxist ideal of social justice, the value of labor and socialist democracy; these are the humanistic ideas of Western psychologists, emphasizing the importance of creative development of the individual. At the end of the article, the author emphasizes that reliance on traditional humanistic values is not a utopia at all, but for the implementation of these values, it is important that the authorities themselves are guided by them.