The author, Vladimiras Laučius, argues that Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' could offer significant insights for the Russian nation today, provided that they were willing to not only take pride in the literary work but also engage with its deeper meanings. This personalization of a nation as a reading and understanding entity leads to intriguing reflections on how cultural pride can sometimes be disconnected from actual comprehension.

Laučius further illustrates this point by highlighting the Russian admiration for painter Ilya Repin, suggesting that many may not have actually seen all his works, and even when they do, they might misinterpret them. He draws attention to common misconceptions, such as confusing Ivan Shishkin's paintings with Kazimir Malevich's seminal work, 'Black Square,' as a metaphor for deeper intellectual blindness. This raises questions about the true cultural literacy within a nation that claims to hold such pride in its artistic heritage.

In a broader context, the author critiques contemporary Russia, likening some Russians to Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Dostoevsky's novel. He suggests that they mask their violent acts under a guise of historical necessity rather than acknowledging the suffering they inflict upon innocents, particularly in Ukraine. Laučius invites readers to reflect on the genuine comprehension of cultural works and the responsibilities that come with national pride, amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.