The eighteenth century in the history of our country was rich in the names of talented people who made history move in an enlightening humanistic direction. One of these people was a bright and original journalist, writer and teacher Nikolai Novikov.
Let's consider the biography and main works of this person in more detail.
Milestones of the biography: childhood, youth, years of study and service
Novikov Nikolai Ivanovich was born in the Moscow region, in the estate of his parents Tikhvinsky-Avdotyino, in 1744. His family belonged to a noble family.
Nikolai's childhood passed in a quiet home environment, his first teacher was a village deacon. Later, the boy entered the Moscow Noble Gymnasium, from which he was expelled in 1760 “for laziness.”
After being expelled from the educational institution, Nikolai Novikov did not indulge in sadness, but devoted his free time to reading literature. A couple of years later, in 1762, he entered the military service in the prestigious Izmailovsky regiment. Becoming a random memberpalace coup, as a result of which Catherine the Great came to power in the country, Novikov was promoted to officer by decree of the new empress.
Ekaterina found an occupation for an educated and well-read young man. Nikolai Novikov was included in the number of deputies who were entrusted with the drafting of a future state code. It is known that Nikolai Ivanovich was very conscientious about his new duties and tried with all his might to benefit the Fatherland.
Journalism
Nikolai Novikov went down in Russian history as a talented journalist and publisher. In 1769, he left military service and began to fulfill his dream: the writer (like many enlighteners) believed that by giving people the right knowledge, society could be changed for the better. He chose satire as an instrument of his struggle.
Novikov started publishing several magazines. They were called "Drone", "Purse", "Painter", "Ridder". In these publications, Novikov tried to ridicule the mores of his time: he advocated reforms in the system of education and upbringing, pointed out the shortcomings of serfdom, ignorance and social injustice. He often criticized the actions of the authorities in a mild form.
His magazines took the position of opponents in relation to the official publication "Vskhoskaja vsyaschina", which was actively supported by Catherine the Great.
Naturally, the magazines published by Novikov were closed by the authorities because of their independent and courageous position.
Pedagogical essays
Much for myNikolai Novikov managed to make life, the biography of this man is a vivid confirmation of this.
Nikolai Ivanovich is also known as a brilliant teacher. He wrote numerous works addressed to parents and teachers. These are, as a rule, journalistic works and special author's works on pedagogy.
In fact, Novikov creates his own pedagogical theory based on the ideas of enlightenment and humanism. He denies the educational power of physical punishment of children, points out the need for parents to pay great attention to the upbringing of the younger generation, love their offspring, enlighten their minds with knowledge, and their souls with virtuous examples.
Novikov especially stands up for moral education and upbringing of the younger generation in the family and in educational institutions. He talks about the need to stop placing children in the care of hired tutors and servants, as well as the need for equal access to education for boys and girls.
Masonic lodge
Novikov Nikolai Ivanovich was a member of the Masonic lodge - an influential secret organization, widespread in those years in Europe and Russia.
For the first time, Novikov was at a meeting of freemasons in 1775 - he was attracted by the ideas of enlightenment, respect for morality, and the desire to create a new social order.
It is assumed that Novikov created his printing house on the basis of Moscow University thanks to the support of Masonic friends. The ideas of Freemasonry and Protestantism can be traced inmany writings of the writer.
Imprisonment and years of oblivion
It was for his ideas that Novikov suffered.
In 1792, by order of the Empress, he was arrested and placed in the Shlisselburg fortress. The accusation brought against the writer indicated that he distributed mystical Protestant and Masonic literature, which confused the minds of his contemporaries.
There is an assumption of historians, according to which the heir to the throne - the son of the Empress Pavel - sympathized with the ideas of the Masons and favored Novikov, which is why his royal mother was so strict with the writer.
By the way, immediately after the death of his mother, Pavel freed Novikov from the fortress. However, he, by his own admission, lost all his he alth in captivity. He was released as a weak old man who dreamed of only one thing - peace and oblivion.
Nikolai Ivanovich Novikov, whose biography is full of ups and downs, lived the rest of his years in his parents' house, taking care of the peasants and leading a quiet life. He died in 1818 and was buried on his estate.
