The Phenomenon of the New Soviet Man: Bolshevik Utopian Aspirations and Their Downfall
摘要
For a scholar of utopianism, the early Soviet period presents a curious case, starting with the idealistic nature of the October revolution itself. Utopian ideas permeated early Soviet society in many spheres, from actual literally utopias and various artistic endeavors, like a powerful futurist movement, to architecture and even science. This chapter examines these aspirations at play that were, perhaps, best illustrated by the desire to create a New Soviet Man, whether through physiological enhancements or novel approaches to education or, rather, indoctrination. Additionally, fictional depictions of utopian societies are reviewed, inspired by the phenomenon in question, as well as the historical reasons behind the downfall of this utopian project.