Background
Shestov, Lev was born on January 31, 1895 in Kovno. Son of a wealthy businessman.
Shestov, Lev was born on January 31, 1895 in Kovno. Son of a wealthy businessman.
Studied inltaly and Switzerland, 1915-1918. Graduated from Kiev University, 1915. Studied inltaly and Switzerland, 1915-1918.
One of the first to write on Nietzsche and Kierkegaard in Russia. Gained a reputation as an original existentialist thinker, opposed to the rationalism and positivism of the previous generation. Wrote on the impossibility of reconciling reason (Athens) with faith (Jerusalem), siding wholeheartedly with the second.
Despite his irrationalist position, wrote in an elegant and very lucid style. Emigrated after the Civil War in 1920. Lived in Geneva, moved to Paris, 1921.
Every religion forces people to rely on outside authority, thus depriving them to become self-sufficient.
Strong communist party can create a new and better society with neither rich nor poor.