Lev Shestov as a Publicist and Literary Critic (1895‒1900). Unknown Articles

Abstract

The article concerns first Lev Shestov publications in the Kiev newspaper of the populist direction
“Life and Art”. In his early articles (1895‒1899) the future philosopher acts as a literary critic,
close to the leaders of the 60s, preaching humanism and love to fellow beings, and as a journalist
writing on juridical, social and economic topics. Shestov is opposed to violence in its various
forms – revolutions, wars and principle of repression – in the name of respect for human rights and
the protection of human dignity. He supports the liberal reforms of the “Tsar Liberator”, the introduction of a jury trial (as a progressive form of legal proceedings), advocates the introduction of
the institution of suspended sentences. On the basis of unknown Shestov’s articles, the author
traces how his convictions were transformed and “reborn”, how he evolved from Narodism to religious philosophy. The article uses fragments of unpublished correspondence between Shestov
and V.G. Malakhieva-Mirovich.