| One of the most powerful arguments in history is that liberty can be achieved through force, a by-product of idealistic strategies for the future. By examining the noble ideals of the Russian intelligentsia, it becomes apparent that idealism, insidious for its innocence and good intentions, led Russia to a communist dictatorship. The goals of this thesis are to uncover early idealism by contrasting Belinsky's compassionate social conscience and Herzen's profound views on socialist liberty with the inherent conflict between freedom of choice and forced development. The thesis is intended to demonstrate that Soviet authoritarianism was predetermined by idealism, a force capable of substantial change and easily corrupted by overarching devotion and the incompatibility of ideals such as absolute equality with free will. While Belinsky represents the purity of early idealism and the beginnings of authoritarian inclinations, Herzen depicts an awareness that idealism is capable of driving men to unjustifiable action. |
