Bernice Glatzer Rosenthal

Russian cosmism, originating in late 19th and early 20th century Russia, is a philosophical and cultural movement that sought to unify science, religion, and metaphysics. It is characterized by a belief in humanity's cosmic purpose, the potential for achieving immortality, and the utilization of scientific progress to gain dominion over nature and explore space. The movement drew inspiration from various sources, including science fiction, Eastern Orthodox thought, Russian philosophy, and advancements in natural sciences.

Key figures like Nikolai Fedorov advocated for the abolition of death and the resurrection of ancestors through scientific means, while Konstantin Tsiolkovsky laid groundwork for astronautics. Though suppressed during the Soviet era, cosmism influenced Soviet space exploration and transhumanism, experiencing a resurgence of interest in the 21st century regarding space colonization and technological immortality. The movement encompasses scientific, philosophical, and artistic branches, all sharing a spiritual undercurrent and a focus on humanity's future in the cosmos.

Cosmism presented a comprehensive natural philosophy, integrating religious and ethical elements with a historical and philosophical perspective on the origin, evolution, and future of the cosmos and humanity. It synthesized ideas from both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions, alongside tenets of the Russian Orthodox Church. The philosophical branch of cosmism is notably mystical and metaphysical, yet fundamentally spiritual, a characteristic evident in the early proponents who followed thinkers like Fedorov and Solovyov. A central tenet, particularly championed by Nikolai Fedorov, was the 'Common Task'—the idea of regulating natural forces, conquering death, and resurrecting ancestors to achieve universal brotherhood and a united humanity fit to govern the universe. This sense of urgency for collective action permeated the works of many Russian cosmists.

Beyond its philosophical core, cosmism found expression in artistic and scientific endeavors. The artistic branch sought to achieve Cosmist goals through creative means, exemplified by composer Alexander Scriabin, who aimed to unite humanity for a common purpose, much like Fedorov, with his ambitious project 'Mysterium'. Scientifically, the movement contributed to early concepts in rocketry, with Nikolai Kibalchich proposing pulsed rocket propulsion. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a foundational figure in theoretical space exploration, published seminal works on space travel and envisioned humanity colonizing the Milky Way, developing a philosophy of panpsychism and believing in a cosmic guiding force rather than traditional religious cosmology.

Cosmism influenced various cultural and political movements, including Proletkult, and after the October Revolution, the term was applied to poetry celebrating labor, machines, and the conquest of space by the proletariat. The ideas of Russian cosmists were later explored by the transhumanist movement, with scholars like Victor Skumin highlighting the role of a 'Culture of Health' in creating a spiritual human society within the Solar System. Other significant figures like Alexander Bogdanov explored human rejuvenation through blood transfusions, while Vladimir Vernadsky developed the concept of the noosphere, and Alexander Chizhevsky studied the sun's biological effects. Paleontologist Ivan Yefremov integrated cosmism with communist ideals for future space societies.