In this 1860s Russian classic, Bazarov (the prototypical nihilist) argues with Pavel Kirsanov (the prototypical liberal of the 1840s generation) about the nature of nihilism and its usefulness to Russia, in an episode which personifies the struggle between the fathers (i.e., the liberals of the 1840s)
and their nihilist "sons". "Aristrocratism, liberalism, progress, principles," Bazarov says. "Just think, how many foreign... and useless words!" Bazarov tells Pavel that he will abandon nihilism when Pavel can show him "... a single institution of contemporary life, either in the family or in the social sphere, that doesn't deserve absolute and merciless rejection."
But despite this utter scorn for all things associated with traditional Russia, Bazarov still believes that there is a purpose and a value in applied science.
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