Nikolai Fyodorov (philosopher)

Nikolai Fyodorovich Fyodorov (also spelled Fedorov) (1829 – 1903) was a Russian Orthodox Christian philosopher and futurist. He was a pioneer of Russian cosmism and a significant influence on figures like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and others interested in space exploration and transhumanism.

Fyodorov's central concept was the "Common Task" of humanity. This task involved the overcoming of death through scientific means, particularly resurrection, and the transformation of Earth and the cosmos into a heaven-like state suitable for the resurrected. He believed that death was not a natural or inevitable part of existence, but a consequence of a disunited and scientifically underdeveloped humanity.

The Common Task, according to Fyodorov, demanded the application of science and technology, guided by Christian morality and brotherly love, to achieve immortality and the literal resurrection of past generations. This resurrection was not to be a solely spiritual event, but a physical recreation of individuals, requiring the collection and synthesis of their dispersed material elements. Fyodorov saw the natural sciences, particularly biology and chemistry, as essential tools for accomplishing this goal.

Beyond resurrection, Fyodorov envisioned a transformed and regulated cosmos. He believed that humanity should strive to control and manage natural forces, preventing disasters like earthquakes and famines, and even regulating the weather. This control was not to be exerted for selfish gain, but for the benefit of all resurrected and living beings. He advocated for a scientific understanding and management of the cosmos, believing that the current state of nature was flawed and required improvement.

Fyodorov's philosophy also placed a strong emphasis on the importance of art and culture. He believed that art should move beyond mere aesthetic enjoyment and become an active tool in the Common Task. Museums, for example, should not simply be repositories of artifacts, but research centers dedicated to the study and reconstruction of the past, ultimately contributing to the resurrection of ancestors.

Although Fyodorov wrote extensively, he refused to publish his works during his lifetime, preferring to share his ideas through lectures and conversations with a wide circle of intellectuals. His ideas were later compiled and published posthumously in works such as The Philosophy of the Common Task. While some of his specific ideas seem fantastical and scientifically improbable, his emphasis on the ethical use of technology, the importance of community, and the pursuit of human potential continues to resonate with thinkers exploring the possibilities of the future. He remains a significant and influential figure in the history of Russian thought and the development of cosmism and transhumanism.