| Summary: | The author of the article analyzes the correspondence between Tolstoy and Chicherin, describes the relationship of the correspondents, explains the problem of the worldview clash between two prominent figures of Russian cultural and public life in the second half of the 19th century. A careful study of the letters in their chronological order makes it possible to follow the development of the dialogue and polemics between Tolstoy and Chicherin, to understand the inner motives that moved each of them. According to the author of the article, the correspondents were most divided by their polar views on the role and importance of the state, law, morality and religion in the life of society and man. In addition, one of the reasons for the gradual cooling off between Tolstoy and Chicherin was the ardent desire of both to realize their own mission of spiritual mentoring: both Tolstoy and Chicherin wanted to become “teachers of mankind.”
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