Nikolai Novikov is a writer, journalist and educator. The main milestones of the life of Nikolai Novikov

The eighteenth century in the history of our country was rich in the names of talented people who made history move in an enlightening humanistic direction. One of these people was a bright and original journalist, writer and teacher Nikolai Novikov.

Consider the biography and the main work of this man in more detail.

Milestones of biography: childhood, youth, years of study and service

Novikov Nikolai Ivanovich was born in the Moscow region, in the estate of his parents Tikhvinsky-Avdotin, in 1744. His family belonged to a noble family.

Nikolai's childhood was spent in a quiet home environment, his first teacher was a village deacon. Later, the boy entered the Moscow noble school, from which he was expelled in 1760 "for laziness."

After the expulsion from the school Nikolai Novikov did not surrender to sadness, but devoted his free time to reading literature. A couple of years later, in 1762, he entered the military service in the prestigious Izmaylovsky regiment. Becoming an accidental participant in the palace revolution, as a result of which Catherine the Great came to power in the country, Novikov was promoted to officers by the decree of the new empress.

Catherine found employment for an educated and well-read youth. Nikolai Novikov was included in the number of deputies who were tasked with drafting the future state code. It is known that Nikolai Ivanovich was very conscientious about his new duties and tried with all his might to benefit the Fatherland.

Journalism

Nikolai Novikov entered the Russian history as a talented journalist and publisher. In 1769, he left military service and began to realize his dream: the writer (as well as many enlighteners) believed that by telling people the right knowledge, you can change society for the better. The tool of his struggle, he chose a satire.

Novikov began to publish several magazines. They were called "Truten", "Purse", "Painter", "Pustomelya". In these editions Novikov tried to ridicule the mores of his time: he advocated reforms in the system of education and upbringing, pointed out the shortcomings of serfdom, ignorance and social injustice. He often criticized the actions of the authorities in a mild form.

His magazines took the position of opponents in relation to the official publication "All sorts of things", which was actively supported by Catherine the Great.

Naturally, the magazines published by Novikov were closed by the authorities because of their independent and bold position.

Pedagogical writings

Much for his life managed to make Nikolai Novikov, the biography of this man - a vivid confirmation of this.

Known Nikolai Ivanovich and as a bright teacher. His pen belongs to numerous works, addressed to parents and teachers. This, as a rule, journalistic work and special author's works on pedagogy.

In fact, Novikov creates his own pedagogical theory, based on the ideas of enlightenment and humanism. He denies the educational power of physical punishment of children, indicates the need for parents to pay great attention to the cause of raising the younger generation, to love their offspring, to enlighten their minds with knowledge, and the soul with virtuous examples.

Especially advocates Novikov for moral education and education of the younger generation in the family and in educational institutions. He speaks about the need to refrain from transferring children to the care of hired tutors and servants, as well as the need for equal access to education for boys and girls.

Masonic Lodge

Novikov Nikolai Ivanovich was a member of the Masonic lodge - an influential secret organization, widespread in those years in Europe and in Russia.

For the first time at the meeting of free masons Novikov was in 1775 - he was attracted by the ideas of enlightenment, respect for morality, the desire to create a new social order.

It is assumed that Novikov created his printing house on the basis of the Moscow University thanks to the support of friends-masons. The ideas of Freemasonry and Protestantism are traced in many writings of the writer.

Ending and the years of oblivion

It was for his ideas that Novikov suffered.

In 1792, on the orders of the Empress, he was arrested and placed in the Shlisselburg Fortress. The accusation brought to the writer indicated that he disseminated mystical-Protestant and Masonic literature, than embarrassed the minds of his contemporaries.

There is an assumption by historians that the heir to the throne - the son of Empress Paul - sympathized with the ideas of the Masons and favorably treated Novikov, so his royal mother was so strict about the writer.

By the way, immediately after the death of my mother Pavel freed Novikov from the fortress. However, by his own admission, he lost all his health in prison. At the will, he emerged as a frail old man, who dreamed only of one thing - peace and oblivion.

Nikolai Ivanovich Novikov, whose biography is full of ups and downs, spent the rest of his years in the parents' home, caring for the peasants and leading a quiet life. He died in 1818 and was buried in his estate.