Abstract

First we should define the concepts ‘narod’ and ‘intelligentsia.’ Usually the concepts ‘narod’ and ‘populace’ [naselenie] are equated, and indeed the etymology of the word ‘narod’ assumes the inclusion of all those who are born [narodivshiesia]. But this equating of narod with populace is not fully valid since it disregards the fact that a narod is not simply the aggregate of all people but a determinate whole, united not only by a common language and territory but also by a common consciousness, an idea. In determining the meaning of the concept ‘narod,’ not only must it be distinguished from the concept ‘populace’ but the two must be contrasted to a certain extent