It is curious that the Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh, without any doubt, is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of the Russian Middle Ages. In fact, it was his reign that completes the era of Kievan Rus. But Vladimir Monomakh entered Russian history not only as an outstanding statesman, but also as a thinker and writer. An iconic monument of Old Russian literature is considered the so-called "The teachings of Vladimir Monomakh."
The year of writing is still unclear. The fact is that different historians attribute it to different dates. Some say that it was compiled by the Grand Duke at the sunset of his life, while others find grounds for dating in the text itself. For example, the historian Pogodin argues that the "Precept of Vladimir Monomakh" was compiled by the prince on the way to Rostov. As for the mention in the composition of later events, this, from the point of view of the historian himself, is nothing but later insertions.
Another historian by the name of Shlyakov dates “The Precept of Vladimir Monomakh” in 1106. He even specifies the month and day: this is the Friday of the first week of Great Lent, which fell on February 9 in 1106. According to the historian, in 1117, "The Instruction" was re-edited by the prince himself.
The central idea of the memo
The meaning of the teachings of Vladimir Monomakh is to appeal to his own children and to all people who hear this grammar, to strictly observe all the requirements of the feudal law and order, to always be guided by them, to forget about personal and “self-serving family interests”. As a result, the instruction acquired not so much a family tinge as a social connotation. We’ll talk about this.
A brief lecture by Vladimir Monomakh
Features
A characteristic feature of this scripture is the very close relationship of didactics with elements of an autobiography. It is curious that all the instructions of the Grand Duke are supported not only by the maxims of the Bible, but also by various examples from Monomakh’s personal life.
Content
The most important tasks in the “Instruction” are precisely the state ones. After all, the sacred duty of the Grand Duke is considered to be the care of the good of his own state, of its unity. In addition, the prince must abide by all treaties and oaths.
Vladimir Monomakh believed that all internecine strife simply undermined the political and economic power of the entire state. The only thing that can lead to the prosperity of the country is peace! That is why it is the duty of any ruler to preserve peace.
Another important duty of any prince, according to Monomakh, is the care and constant care for the improvement of the church. "The Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh" recommends that any ruler who wishes to consolidate his power should vigilantly and constantly show concern for the "priestly and monastic ranks."
At the same time, the prince does not advise his children to "save souls" in monasteries, that is, to cut their hair as monks, because this is alien to a cheerful and energetic person. Monomakh urges to simply observe religious rites in the form of repentance and giving alms.