This is probably the most unexpected book by the writer and publicist Alexander Melikhov. An intellectual by the very nature of his personality, Melikhov attacks the intelligentsia and the vulgar liberalism, of which it is often the bearer, with stunning criticism. National relations and suicide, imperial consciousness and national consciousness, cultural myths and provocations of globalism - these are the range of topics on which the author speaks sharply, convincingly and deeply. Perhaps this book is the future foundation of an entire social discipline, which has already matured and is just waiting for its creator.

In this book, the author appears in full stature as a courageous and honest thinker, erudite and, moreover, original. In the philosophy of history, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of science, philosophy of politics, aesthetics, pedagogy, etc. it brings unprecedentedly bitter clarity. This work is marked by both courage and depth.B. Bim-Bad, Academician of the Russian Academy of Education

Melikhov shows what a huge role the aesthetic sense plays in making fatal decisions - a factor that is too often overlooked by those in power. The author's interests range from drug addiction to terrorism.Ya. Gordin, writer, historian

Alexander Melikhov is known as one of the most deeply and non-trivially thinking Russian writers. His work can be called titanic - in terms of the depth of thought, the degree of erudition and the audacity of the talentedly touched upon topics (a considerable part of which is taboo in modern Russian social and political thought).V. Rubtsov, academician of the Russian Academy of Education