Religious philosophy in Russia, originating in antiquity and especially rapidly developing in the 19th century, clearly showed its features even in the Slavophilism movement. It has always been something original and distinctive, differing from the European in its impressive sentimentality, metaphysics, artistic pathos and intuition. This philosophy was formed on the basis of questions posed by life itself and dictated by the interests of the Russian people with its national Orthodox core. One of the most prominent modern figures noted in this field was the recently deceased Viktor Trostnikov, a prominent scientist who began as a physicist and mathematician, but especially gained fame as a renowned thinker and theologian.
Biographical Information
This person has proved himself in many fields of activity. Victor Nikolaevich Reed from adolescence used to work selflessly. It started back in the war, when he worked as a teenager at a sugar mill, and then at an aircraft factory, helping his people win the victory. In the mature post-war years, he led a mathematical circle for pioneers and schoolchildren, in addition to scientific and literary activities, he worked actively on television and radio, giving lectures.
The biography of Viktor Nikolayevich Trostnikov is in many ways common, but at the same time not quite typical of his era. This man was born on September 14, 1928. It happened in Moscow. Here he entered the Moscow State University and graduated from the Faculty of Physics and Technology in 1953. Then began teaching and work at MIIT and other universities in the rank of associate professor. Numerous publications of his works in physics, mathematics and logic testify to his successful scientific activities in this period.
Change of priorities
Over the years, Viktor Trostnikov became more interested in philosophy. It was in this area that he wrote and defended his thesis in 1970. He was also more interested in religion. In the next year, at the Russian Orthodox University, as a professor, he taught general history and philosophy of law. In the same period, he created works that did not correspond at all to the style and spirit of the Soviet era, for which he fell into the category of dissidents. His first book, entitled Thoughts Before Dawn, where a former mathematician addressed the sensitive issues of Orthodox philosophy, was published in 1980, but not in his homeland, but in Paris.
Thoughts Before Dawn
This book is devoted to an interesting and fashionable problem for that period. It tells about the difficult relationship between science and religion, reflects the author’s spiritual doubts about the legitimacy of the views of the humble majority, as well as universal human needs in finding the meaning and essence of life. In exposing his views to the reader, Trostnikov stated that any experiments and discoveries of scientists should embody the wise and expedient structure of the world, and, therefore, testify to God who created it. For example, in physics (as he believed), this has been the case since the time of the great Newton, who founded this discipline as a means of knowing the Creator. The same applies to mathematics, philosophy and other sciences. That is what Reeds thought. Viktor Nikolaevich bitterly denounced the lack of spirituality and ideological immorality, which gave rise to atheism and was cultivated during the years of Soviet power.
The end of the career of a Soviet scientist
Such views and “dubious” activities could not go unnoticed during the Stagnation era and do without consequences. Victor Trostnikov’s career as a Soviet scientist is coming to an end during this period. The reason for this was his views, as well as his participation in the almanac under the name “Metropol”. This is the notorious collection of texts of forbidden authors and writers in those days. It was published in Moscow in 1979 with a circulation of only 12 copies, but, despite this, it attracted the interest of the audience and the close attention of the authorities. Viktor Trostnikov’s affairs were so disappointing that he, having fallen out of favor, had to work as a laborer, mason, watchman and foreman until the end of the Soviet period.
The works of the philosopher
The work of Trostnikov in the field of politics, history and theology was published by many famous publications. Among them are the weekly Argumenty i Fakty, Literaturnaya Gazeta, the magazines Young Guard, Russian House, Orthodox Conversation, Moscow, and other periodicals.
You can list the best and most interesting books of Victor Trostnikov. These include "History as the Providence of God." Its name testifies to itself. It speaks of the role of Divine conducting, directing people to good and moral perfection, in historical events. “A treatise on love. Spiritual Sacraments ”examines the meaning of one important word“ love ”in a person’s life. The author considered this concept to be the highest manifestation of the Divine essence.
Among other amazing books: “Who are we?”, “Fundamentals of Orthodox culture”, “Having life, returned to death” and many others. In “Orthodox Civilization” Victor Trostnikov spoke with the reader about eternal values, analyzed the meaning of such concepts as justice, property, power.
What kind of person was he?
He was a true philosophizing sage and a cordial, responsive Christian. He wholeheartedly sought to convey to his fellow citizens the history of his own country and their Orthodox roots. Even in difficult times, he did not give up his ideas and beliefs, actively promoting them. The Orthodox philosopher died, having reached wise maturity, in the 90th year of life. It happened on September 29, 2017. Two days later, in the church of the Holy Trinity in Moscow, his funeral and subsequent burial took place.
People who knew Viktor Trostnikov closely spoke the warmest words about him. They sincerely believed that this man gave all of himself to people, combining in his face a talented scientist and a staunch Christian. It was noticed that he tried not to leave a single question addressed to him from interested people without a thoughtful answer. And life in him was in full swing, embodied in his productive scientific and Christian activities, talented works.