Russian cosmism

Tsiolk na lune (pic Gofman) 3

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Pasternak fedorov

Vladimir Solovyov 1892 by Nikolay Yarochenko

Skrjabin Alexander

1934-V I Vernadsky

Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in his working room (by Feodosiy Chmil), 1934

Russian Cosmism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combines elements of philosophy, science, and religion to propose a future where humans achieve physical immortality, space exploration, and the resurrection of the dead using scientific methods. The movement is rooted in the ideas of Nikolai Fyodorov, who is considered its founding father, along with contributions from other thinkers such as Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Vladimir Vernadsky, and Alexander Chizhevsky.

Origins and Philosophy

Russian Cosmism developed from the works of Nikolai Fyodorov, who believed in the possibility of achieving physical immortality and the resurrection of ancestors through scientific means. Fyodorov's ideas were deeply influenced by Christian theology, but he proposed that humanity should not passively await divine intervention for salvation. Instead, he argued that humans should actively seek to overcome death and explore the cosmos. This philosophy was further developed by his followers and contemporaries, who expanded on the idea of using science and technology for the betterment of humanity and the universe.

Key Figures

• Nikolai Fyodorov (1829–1903) - A philosopher and librarian, Fyodorov is considered the father of Russian Cosmism. His works laid the foundation for the movement, emphasizing the unity of all people and the moral duty to overcome death and resurrect ancestors.
• Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857–1935) - A scientist and pioneer of astronautics, Tsiolkovsky contributed to Cosmism with his theories on space exploration and the colonization of other planets. He is famous for his rocket equation and the concept of a space elevator.
• Vladimir Vernadsky (1863–1945) - A mineralogist and geochemist, Vernadsky introduced the concept of the noosphere, a stage of Earth's development characterized by human intelligence shaping the planet. His ideas reflect the Cosmist belief in the transformative power of human thought and activity.
• Alexander Chizhevsky (1897–1964) - A biophysicist known for his research on the effects of solar activity on biological processes, Chizhevsky's work is associated with Cosmism through his interest in the cosmic influences on humanity and the potential for human life in space.

Influence and Legacy

Russian Cosmism has influenced various fields, including philosophy, literature, art, and space science. The movement's ideas prefigured many concepts in modern transhumanism and contributed to the Soviet space program's ideological background. Despite being suppressed during the Soviet era, interest in Cosmism has resurfaced in post-Soviet Russia and internationally, with scholars and enthusiasts exploring its implications for future technologies, ethics, and the human condition.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, Russian Cosmism's ideas resonate with discussions on transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and space colonization. Its emphasis on overcoming human limitations and exploring the cosmos aligns with current scientific and technological endeavors. Moreover, the ethical and philosophical questions raised by Cosmism remain relevant, prompting reflection on humanity's future and our place in the universe.