CULTURE AT A CROSSROADS: A CONVERSATION WITH NIKOLAY A. KHRENOV ON THE MEANINGS AND MISSION OF CULTURE IN A CHANGING WORLD

Abstract

In critical situations of cultural shifts and transitions, the role of the individual is very signifi cant, much depends on it — it creates and transforms. In this case, the personality becomes an independent force of attraction — it unites people, generates ideas, knowledge, events, inspires creativity, opens up new horizons for search and experiments. Consequently, it pushes the boundaries of life, gives new experiences and the opportunity to understand and overcome the challenges of time. Such a person is Nikolay Andreyevich Khrenov, a well-known Russian culturologist, philosopher, historian, psychologist and art critic. N.A. Khrenov’s writings serve not only as an extensive theoretical resource, but also as a powerful generator of new educational practices, creative projects and research programs. A conversation with him examines what culture is and the transformations it undergoes as it serves humanity in never-ending attempts to make the world a better place and fi nd a life-affi rming harmony with oneself, society, and nature.