In his book, A.A. Nuikin reflects on the most pressing problems of today, tries to understand the essence of the “mysterious” and “inexplicable” obstacles that arise on the path of perestroika. Why is the renewal of our society difficult, why obvious benefits so often remain unrealized? What is better: self-financing or planning from above, ruble stimulation or fair equalization of people's living standards? Where did the administration lead and how to deal with bureaucracy? This is not a complete range of questions that the author raises.