Medieval Russia left behind a world of images in which a person is conceived through ideals. This lecture will discuss two key types of ancient Russian culture - the hero and the ascetic. The image of the hero is associated with will, physical endurance, martial deeds, and determination, while the image of the ascetic is linked to spiritual labor, self-restraint, and inner transformation. Comparing these figures allows for a better understanding of how ancient Russian society perceived the meaning of life and morality. Ancient texts did not strive for the individualization of characters in the modern sense, yet they achieved great expressiveness. How did ancient authors manage this? How did they reflect images of holiness, heroic steadfastness, feats, and asceticism, and how did these representations form a coherent picture of the world? This and more will be discussed by Andrey Shcheglov - Doctor of Philosophy, researcher of Russian philosophy, and specialist in ancient Russian thought. Find other events in Moscow on KudaGo.