M. : Science, 1985. — 541 s. D. C. Likhachev is a specialist in ancient Russian literature and culture . He owns fundamental research on the textology, poetics and history of Russian literature of the XI-XVII centuries .. This book contains his articles and speeches of a general and journalistic nature, revealing the significance of the experience, traditions and cultural heritage of the past for the present and the future. A significant part of the book is devoted to the problems of morality in science and individual scientists of various humanities. With all the diversity of scientists characterized by the author, they are all united by a deep and unselfish devotion to science and their country.