This article reflects on the historical continuity and stagnation of mental attitudes within Russian society by examining the life and works of Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin, a notable Russian satirist born in 1826. The author, a writer and former diplomat, recounts a recent realization of Saltykov-Shchedrin's contribution to Russian literature and the importance of revisiting his works, which have not received sufficient attention in academic studies. The author compares their own experience with the work to the current state of Russian society, implying a lack of progress in social and mental development since Saltykov-Shchedrin's time.

The author expounds that while there may seem to be progress due to surface-level changes in society, these changes often serve as mere optical illusions. This sentiment resonates with the idea that societal progress in Russia might not translate to a genuine evolution of thought or values. The reflective tone indicates a sense of nostalgia for a time when Russian literature engaged more deeply with societal issues and urges a reevaluation of past literary influences to better understand contemporary realities.

Ultimately, the piece serves as a critique of how cultural legacies shape current mindsets, illustrating that despite chronological advancement, Russian society's core values and thoughts remain largely unchanged, a notion worth exploring further through the lens of literary figures like Saltykov-Shchedrin.