(1) Once, a very long time ago, they sent me an important edition of The Tale of Igor's Campaign. (2) For a long time I could not understand: what was the matter? (3) At the institute, they signed that they received the book, but the book was not. (4) Finally it turned out that a respectable lady had taken her. (5) I asked the lady: “Did you take the book?” (6) “Yes,” she replied. - (7) I took it. (8) But if you need it so much, I can return it. (9) And at the same time, the lady smiles coquettishly. (10) “But the book was sent to me. (P) If you need it, you should have asked me for it. (12) You put me in an awkward position in front of the person who sent it. (13) I didn’t even thank him.”


(14) I repeat: it was a long time ago. (15) And one could forget about this case. (16) But still, I sometimes remember him - life reminds me.

(17) After all, it really seems like a trifle! (18) “Read” the book, “forget” to return it to its owner ... (19) Now it has become, as it were, in the order of things. (20) Many are justified by the fact that I, they say, need this book more than the owner: I can’t do without it, but he will!

(2 ^ A new phenomenon has spread - “intellectual” theft, seemingly quite excusable, justified by enthusiasm, craving for culture. (22) Sometimes they even say that “reading out” a book is not theft at all, but a sign of intelligence. (23) Think only: a dishonorable act - and intelligence! (24) Don't you think that this is simply color blindness? (25) Moral color blindness: we have forgotten how to distinguish colors, more precisely, to distinguish black from white. (26) Theft is theft, theft is theft , a dishonest act remains a dishonorable act, no matter how and no matter how they are justified! (27) And a lie is a lie, and in the end I don’t believe that a lie can be saved. (28) After all, even ride a “hare” in a tram - this is theft. (29) There is no small theft, there is no small theft - there is just theft and just theft. (ZO) There is no small deceit and big deception - there is just a deception, a lie. (31) No wonder it is said: faithful in small things - and very faithful (32) Someday by chance, passing You will clearly remember an insignificant episode when you forfeited your conscience in the most supposedly harmless and insignificant thing - and you will feel a reproach of conscience. (33) And you will understand that if someone suffered from your trifling, insignificant act, then you yourself suffered first of all - your conscience and your dignity.

(D.S. Likhachev)


The writing

Is it possible, considering oneself a cultured and intelligent person, to allow dishonest deeds in relation to others and to yourself? Where are the acceptable limits of lies and dishonesty? The well-known literary critic and publicist D.S. Likhachev.

It would seem that an ordinary case: someone took someone else's book and "forgot" to return it. At the same time, there was not even a feeling of embarrassment from the fact that he let down another person, put him in an ambiguous position. The author called this phenomenon of modernity "moral color blindness" and tried to explore the problem from the point of view of ethical standards. Whatever explanations may be put forward by supporters of such actions, one thing remains unconditional: theft remains theft, a lie can never be justified. Forgiving yourself a small evil, it is easy to slide into a big evil. Having sacrificed your conscience, having committed an immoral act, you yourself will suffer, voluntarily or involuntarily destroy your dignity. And with this statement, D.S. Likhachev, you will certainly agree if you consider yourself an intelligent person or strive to be so.

To problems moral purity and decency were often addressed by writers of the nineteenth century. The heroes of Pushkin, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Dostoevsky made mistakes, suffered, doubted, but always retained their moral dignity. Pyotr Grinev, hero captain's daughter» A.S. Pushkin, respects paternal testament"take care of honor from a young age" and does not lose dignity either in front of the formidable Pugachev, or in the face of death. He protects not only his honest name, but also the honor of his beloved.

Favorite heroes of L.N. Tolstoy in the novel "War and Peace" go through serious moral trials and do it with honor, without sinking to cowardice and humiliation. Old Prince Bolkonsky, escorting his son to the army, says that he will be able to survive his death, but will not survive


dishonor. And for Prince Andrei, the concepts of duty and honor are unshakable. Of course, his son will also be faithful to these traditions.

Why are many moral concepts and values ​​so devalued today? Maybe we should be more demanding and uncompromising to our own conscience and to the actions of those around us.

(1) Many people think: an intelligent person is one who read a lot, received a good education (and even predominantly humanitarian), traveled a lot, knows several languages.

(2) Meanwhile, you can have all this and be unintelligent, and you can not possess any of this to a large extent, but still be internally intelligent person.

(H) Deprive a truly intelligent person completely of his memory. (4) Let him forget everything in the world, he will not know the classics of literature, he will not remember greatest works art, forget the most important historical events, but if at the same time he retains a susceptibility to cultural values, an aesthetic flair, he will be able to distinguish a real work of art from a rough “thing”, made only to surprise, if he can admire the beauty of nature, understand the character and personality of another person, enter into his position , and having understood another person, help him, he will not show rudeness, indifference, gloating, envy, but will appreciate the other at its true worth - this will be an intelligent person ... (b) Intelligence is not only in knowledge, but also in the ability to understand another .

(6) It manifests itself in a thousand and a thousand little things: in the ability to argue respectfully, behave modestly at the table, in the ability to imperceptibly (precisely imperceptibly) help another, protect nature, not litter around oneself - not litter with cigarette butts or swearing, bad ideas (this also garbage, and what else!).


(7) I knew peasants in the Russian North who were truly intelligent. (8) They kept amazing cleanliness in their homes, knew how to appreciate good songs, knew how to tell "bystanders" (that is, what happened to them or others), lived an orderly life, were hospitable and friendly, treated with understanding both other people's grief and someone else's joy.

(9) Intelligence is the ability to understand, to perceive, it is a tolerant attitude towards the world and towards people.

(1 (^ Intelligence must be developed in oneself, trained, - mental strength is trained, as physical ones are trained. (11) And training is possible and necessary in any conditions.

(12) That the training of physical strength contributes to longevity - this is understandable. (13) Much less understand that for longevity, the training of spiritual and spiritual forces is also necessary.

(14) The fact is that an evil and evil reaction to the environment, rudeness and misunderstanding of others is a sign of mental and spiritual weakness, human inability to live ... (15) Pushing in a crowded bus - a weak and nervous person, exhausted, wrong responsive to everything. (16) Quarrels with neighbors - also a person who does not know how to live, mentally deaf. (17) Aesthetically unreceptive is also an unhappy person. (18) He who does not know how to understand another person, attributing only evil intentions to him, always taking offense at others - this is also a person who impoverishes his life and interferes with the lives of others. (19) Mental weakness leads to physical weakness. (20) I am not a doctor, but I am convinced of this. (21) Long-term experience convinced me of this.

(22) Friendliness and kindness make a person not only physically healthy, but also beautiful. (23) Yes, it is beautiful.

(24) The face of a person, which is often distorted by anger, becomes ugly, and the movements of an evil person are deprived


we are grace - not deliberate grace, but natural, which is much more expensive.

(25) The social duty of a person is to be intelligent. (26) This is a duty to yourself. (27) This is a guarantee of his personal happiness and the “aura of goodwill” around him and towards him (that is, addressed to him).

(D.S. Likhachev)

The writing

How often do we use the expression "intelligent person" without really thinking about its true meaning. Often we confuse the concepts of "intelligence" and "education", but this is far from the same thing.

Dmitry Sergeevich Likhachev, being a truly intelligent person, helps us understand the differences between true and false intelligence. The problem of imaginary and genuine culture, morality and intelligence is especially relevant today. After all, how often behind the mask of external integrity lies spiritual callousness and emptiness. According to Likhachev, "intelligence is not only in knowledge, but also in the ability to understand the other." The author believes that intelligence can and should be developed and trained. It is also interesting to think that the state of mind of a person is reflected in his physical health. The Russian intelligentsia for centuries created spiritual wealth, filled life moral sense despite persecution and humiliation. We see this in the example literary heroes, such as Bulgakov's Professor Preobrazhensky, who dedicated his life to serving science and who understands that louts have come to power, who do not need either science or culture. Anger and envy guide the actions of these balls. They cannot build, they only destroy.

An interesting image of the old provincial intellectual from the story of the writer Vladimir Zheleznikov "Scarecrow" Ni-


Kolay Nikolaevich Bessoltsev, a collector of paintings. His main qualities are kindness and selflessness, and he teaches this to his granddaughter Lena, although people are cruel and unfair to them. But they will not become different, since they have inherent intelligence.

Final words Likhachev's articles are addressed to each of us: “A person's social duty is to be intelligent. It is a duty to yourself as well.” They are worth listening to.

  • Category: Arguments for writing the exam
  • M.A. Bulgakov - the story "Heart of a Dog". In this story M.A. Bulgakov creates the image of a genuine Moscow intellectual - Professor Preobrazhensky. This is a man of an outstanding mind, high culture, who devoted his whole life to the selfless service of science, but the hero also has an independent mind, his own point of view on everything that happens. Thus, Philip Philipovich openly speaks of his attitude towards the victorious proletariat. “Why, when this whole story began, did everyone start walking in dirty galoshes and felt boots up the marble stairs?” the professor wonders. “Devastation,” a colleague, Dr. Bormental, tries to explain to him. “What is your devastation? .. This is what: if, instead of operating every evening, I start singing in chorus in my apartment, I will be devastated.” A scientific experiment with Sharik, transplanting human organs into a dog becomes a real disaster for the professor: Preobrazhensky creates with his own hands the “newest proletarian”, a rude, arrogant, vile, aggressive person who has no idea about culture and morality, but strives to “share” everything. And the professor takes the opposite action, turning him back into a dog. Bulgakov's image of the intellectual is opposed to the image of the proletarian. Author's position here it is quite definite: any violence against nature and man, forcing the natural process of evolution turns into an inevitable tragedy. And history has confirmed to us the correctness of the brilliant writer.
  • D.S. Likhachev - "Letters about the good and the beautiful."

In this book, D.S. Likhachev reflects on what intelligence is. Intelligence should not be confused with education, intelligence. An intellectual is a benevolent, educated person who respects the culture of the past, has an aesthetic sense, and loves to gain knowledge. Intelligence, according to the scientist, is the ability to understand another, to perceive, "a tolerant attitude towards the world and people." The scientist believes that it is necessary to develop all these qualities in ourselves, since it is they that ensure our moral health.

  • The image of Academician D.S. Likhachev, a true Russian intellectual, an outstanding figure in science.

Hello dear readers. In this article, you will learn what the problem of intelligence is in modern world. Find out the meaning of this concept. Check out the examples. Find out what traits an intelligent person is characterized by. You will know what you need to do to become one yourself.

Concept definition

Intelligence (translated from Latin means thinking, understanding) is a set of qualities of an individual that meets the expectations of a cultural society. There are also other definitions of this concept.

  1. The ability to think, the ability to make independent judgments about the universe, about the manifestations of human actions.
  2. Tolerant character, nobility, intelligence and reliability of words.
  3. A combination of able-bodied mind, noble soul and truthful heart.
  4. The ability to understand, accept everything new, always respect the opinions of other people, demonstrate their emotions, and not allow interference in the personal space of another person.
  5. The ability to endure rudeness, uncivilized behavior with perseverance, to fight back injustice. Such an individual has high moral values, a developed sense of nobility.

You need to know what are the benefits of intelligence:

  • allows you to show emotions, acquire new knowledge;
  • gives freedom, allowing you to express your thoughts;
  • an intelligent person can understand the meaning of the common good;
  • rewards with forces to resist evil injustice and crude civilization;
  • self-confidence and abilities, self-confidence;
  • an intelligent man or woman has the opportunity to show interest in life, to be friendly to people around him.

Characteristics of an intellectual

An intelligent person can be betrayed by the presence of certain qualities, especially if we consider an intellectual of the old school.

  1. Pure patriotism, which is manifested by real actions.
  2. Feeling compassion for the pain of other people and animals.
  3. Soft, polite, compliant character.
  4. The absence of a rude attitude towards any person, even if he behaves rudely towards an intellectual.
  5. Craving for everything beautiful.
  6. The ability to forgive people.
  7. Sincere truthfulness, decent attitude towards others, respect.
  8. Craving for education, constant self-development.
  9. In the speech of such an individual, quotations and aphorisms are often used. idioms, there are no rude phrases.

Examples in the modern world

AT Everyday life a person meets intelligent people on his way and does not betray this, but it is they who make our life better, improving its quality, they preserve spiritual and moral values.

An example of intelligence is a person who shows good manners, while not acting pretentiously, does not engage in narcissism. Such an individual does not condemn anyone for wrong actions, while trying to determine their cause.

An example of intelligence is the writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who received Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970. At one time, the political system tried to destroy him, he was sent to camps, into exile, censorship was imposed, but he could not be broken. Alexander Isaevich faced cancer and was able to defeat him. He was not only educated, he also helped others and society in general. He tolerated the personal shortcomings of people, while resisting social vices. Solzhenitsyn was a man of strong spirit, body and mind.

The situation with intelligence in the modern world is under threat. The fact is that today the problem of personality degradation is acute, the consequences of the media, social networks. However, one must understand that human values ​​will be preserved at any time, there will always be a place for compassion, the ability to put oneself in the place of other people, treat them with respect, and be tolerant. A sharp mind, along with inner freedom, a deep soul and a craving for everything beautiful, will always occupy a significant place in the process of evolution.

The current intelligentsia is not much different from the representatives of the last century. Such people are strong, they have a kind soul, they do not boast of their achievements, deeds, they do everything to change the world for the better.

How to become an intellectual

  1. Much attention needs to be paid. This is not about fantasy or romance novels but about classical literature.
  2. Education plays an important role. You need to understand that not every person with a higher education is an intellectual, while all intelligent people are highly educated.
  3. Most great importance has the right upbringing. If I raise a child, I instill respect for other people, the ability to listen to others, the ability to be sensible about the point of view of each individual, then he will begin to develop the makings of intelligence.
  4. Educational activities and charity also allow you to become an intellectual.
  5. The inseparability of actions from words. A person who aspires to become an intellectual will certainly be responsible for his words and actions.

Now you know what the essence of intelligence is. People should believe that intelligence is the culture of the soul. This is not an indicator of the level of education, these are actions that correspond to moral principles. Mankind needs individuals with bright soul, which will indicate the need for pure relationships without commercialism, the need to gain knowledge with subsequent development and spiritual growth.

Two meanings that use the word " intelligentsia”, and, accordingly, “intelligence” in the modern world: functional and social.

From Wikipedia:

Functional meaning and Latin origin of the word "intelligence":

The concept of "intelligence"

From the “Dictionary of a Practical Psychologist” by S.Yu. Golovin:

I. Bestuzhev-Lada believes that

The expression of intelligence in man

From the "Psychological Dictionary-Reference" Dyachenko M.I., Kandybovich L.A.:

The manifestation of human intelligence

From the "Psychological Dictionary-Reference" Dyachenko M.I., Kandybovich L.A.:

Who can be intelligent?

I. Bestuzhev-Lada believes that

*Bestuzhev-Lada Igor Vasilyevich (born 1927) is a Russian scientist, historian, sociologist and futurologist, a specialist in the field of social forecasting and global studies.

What is inherent in an intelligent person?

* Internationalism (from Latin inter - “between” and nation - “people”) is an ideology that preaches friendship and cooperation between nations.

The main signs of intelligence are a complex of the most important intellectual and moral qualities from the “Dictionary of a Practical Psychologist” by S.Yu. Golovin:

The words "intelligent" and "intelligent" are paronyms. Do not confuse them.

From the express reference book by E.D. Golovina “Distinguish words: Difficult cases of modern Russian word usage”:

What do modern young people understand by intelligence?

1. his behavior does not create difficulties for others
2.must understand art
3. wishes that everything living and surrounding him be harmonious. …
4. at least out of the corner of my ear I heard about the ten commandments
5.Emits some special light, this is called spiritual beauty.
6.different high morality
7.high level of knowledge and being coincide
8. is distinguished by internally free thinking and emancipation of the spirit
9. characterized by the desire to acquire new knowledge, interest in history and genuine art
10. wants to understand the other
11. striving for spiritual perfection (no need to understand the connection only with religious faith)
12.First of all, sincere
13. cannot put his own benefit above the interests of other people
14. Feels not very comfortable in the corridors of power
15. we can recognize an intelligent person by his simplicity
16. will not insist on his own, will definitely listen to another
17.very fine mental organization - they feel good about others
18. the power of good prevails
19. always a patriot who cares about the fate of the Motherland
20. reflections on the fate of their people are characteristic

In the story of A.P. Chekhov "Death of an official" Chervyakov is incredibly infected with the spirit of servility: having sneezed and splashed his bald head in front of the sitting general, the official was so frightened that after humiliated requests to forgive him, he died of fear.

Hero story by A.P. Chekhov "Thick and thin”, official Porfiry, met at the station railway school friend and found out that he was a secret adviser, i.e. moved up significantly in career. In an instant, the “thin” turns into a servile creature, ready to humiliate and fawn.

Molchalin, a negative character comedy A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit" I am sure that one should please not only "all people without exception", but even "the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate." The need to tirelessly please is also his affair with Sophia, Famusov's daughter. Maxim Petrovich, about whom Famusov tells Chatsky as an edification, in order to earn the favor of the empress, has turned into a jester, amusing her with ridiculous falls.

In the story of A.P. Chekhov "Chameleon" police warden Ochumelov grovels before those who are above him in the ranks and feels like a formidable boss in relation to those who are below. He changes his opinions in each situation to the opposite, depending on which person - significant or not - is hurt in it: the general's dog or not.

N.V. Gogol-comedy "The Government Inspector". In this comedy, N.V. Gogol presents us with the world of city officials. The writer exposes bribery, embezzlement, sycophancy, strict observance of official subordination. All officials speak to Khlestakov obsequiously, with trepidation. They know that everyone takes bribes, so they immediately start thinking about how to bribe the auditor. It is characteristic that the merchants, who are under the bureaucratic world in the play, come to Khlestakov with "a body of wine and sugar heads." Officialdom is depicted in the play grotesquely. So, the tyranny of the Governor is limitless. He appropriates the money earmarked for the construction of the church, subjected the non-commissioned officer to the rods. The trustee of charitable institutions believes that a simple person "if he dies, then he will die anyway, if he recovers, then he will recover anyway," and instead of relying on oatmeal soup, he gives the sick one cabbage. The judge, confident that in his papers “Solomon himself will not decide what is true and what is not true in it,” turns the judicial institution into his own fiefdom. Dr. Gibner is unable to communicate with his patients due to complete ignorance of the Russian language. The finale of this mess, according to the writer, is natural - the imaginary auditor leaves, but the real auditor arrives, who will be able to punish the guilty.

M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin - "The history of one city." This

the work is a bold and evil satire on the administrative arbitrariness that reigned in Russia. The writer creates grotesque images of mayors replacing each other in the city of Foolovo. Each of them has its own salient feature something different from the rest. So, Perechvat-Zalikhvatsky rode into the city on a white horse, "burned the gymnasiums and abolished the sciences." Another mayor, Brodysty, instead of a head had a vessel with an organ, giving out only two phrases: “I will not tolerate it!” and "I'll ruin it!" Major Pimple had a stuffed head. Thus, the city of Foolov near Shchedrin is a grotesque image of all of Russia.

A.P. Chekhov - the story "Thick and thin." In this story, the author raises the problem of bureaucratic subordination, servility. Its plot is simple. Two old friends meet, at first they are very glad to each other, they communicate easily, but then the “thin” learns that his old acquaintance occupies an important government post. And all the simplicity of communication is immediately replaced by the observance of bureaucratic subordination. "Thin" begins to talk to the "fat" obsequiously, curry favor with him. The second hero maintains equanimity and good nature throughout the story. Thus, the writer here opposes the slavish psychology of a person, which leads to servility, flattery and servility.

V.V. Mayakovsky - the poem "The Sitting Ones".

In this poem, the poet raises the problem of bureaucracy. We see officials coming to serve in institutions and a pile of papers, from which "fifty" are selected for the next meeting. Moreover, these meetings follow one after another, their subject matter is ridiculous: the theater department meets with the main horse breeding department, the purpose of another meeting is to resolve the issue of “purchasing a bottle of ink by the Sponge Operative”. The lyrical hero, vainly seeking an audience with officials, is sincerely indignant. He breaks into one of the meetings and sees "half people". The hero from this terrible picture "has lost his mind." The secretary calmly explains that the officials are "at two meetings at once." So in the plot of Mayakovsky's poem, a phraseological unit unfolds: "I can't be torn in two." The realistic, life situation merges in Mayakovsky with hyperbole, fantasy, and the grotesque.