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person1905-1954

Ivan Ilyin

Summary

Russian philosopher (1883-1954), exiled by the Bolsheviks in 1922. Developed a philosophy of spiritual resistance to evil, Russian Christian nationalism, and Orthodox political theology. Controversial for post-WWII sympathies; hugely influential on contemporary Russian nationalism and reportedly on Vladimir Putin.

Core Contribution

Developed a systematic Orthodox Christian political philosophy centered on spiritual resistance, national identity, and the religious foundations of culture; Foundations of Christian Culture remains influential in Russian Orthodox thought.

Key Spikes & Highlights

  • 1920s-1950s Russian emigre thought
  • Putin-era Russian nationalist revival 2000s-2020s

Notable Works & Achievements

On Resistance to Evil by Force

Foundations of Christian Culture

The Philosophy of Hegel as a Doctrine of the Concreteness of God and Humanity

Our Tasks

Historical Influences

Hegel Russian Orthodox theology Vladimir Solovyov Ivan Kireyevsky

Intellectual Lineage

Russian religious philosophyOrthodox Christian political thoughtGerman Idealism

Contemporaries & Peers

Nikolai Berdyaev Sergei Bulgakov Pavel Florensky

Minds Influenced

Contemporary Russian nationalismPutin's ideological frameworkRussian Orthodox political theology Alexander Dugin

Intellectual Posterity

No conceptual posterity found.

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