September 5, 1786
Born in Moscow Sergey Uvarov — Minister of Public Education. Monarchist and creator of the ideology of official nationality. Author of the triad "Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality."
Is it given to us, in the midst of the storm that is agitating Europe, in the midst of the rapid collapse of all the supports of civil society, in the midst of the sad phenomena that surround us on all sides, to strengthen with weak hands our beloved Fatherland on a sure anchor, on the firm foundations of a saving principle?
Born into aristocratic family, he was educated at home. One of his teachers was the learned abbot, who had fled the French Revolution. Mangen, enemy of the republic.
Later he studied the history of antiquity and ancient languages, and attended lectures at the University of Göttingen in Germany.
In 1801, at 15, he joined the College of Foreign Affairs. From 20, he served as a diplomat in embassies in Vienna и Paris
At 25, after marrying the daughter of a count and the Minister of Public Education Alexey Razumovsky, left the diplomatic service and worked in the department of his father-in-law.
He began reforms while still a trustee of the St. Petersburg educational district: on his initiative, the teaching of ancient languages was strengthened in gymnasiums and the Law of God was introduced.
He published several works on ancient culture. He was familiar with Goethe и Humboldt. He headed the Imperial Academy of Sciences, the Department of Manufactures and Domestic Trade, and was the manager of the State Loan and Commercial Banks.
In 1826, at 40, he became a senator and participated in the development of the Censorship Charter. In 1833, he was appointed Minister of Public Education and Chief Censor. His first act was to Nicholas I a note with ideas for improving the work of the department.
Public education must be carried out in the united spirit of Orthodoxy, Autocracy and Nationality
These "principles" became the embodiment of Russian monarchical doctrine and were contrasted with the motto of the French Revolution: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." Nationality was understood as the need to adhere to one's own traditions and reject foreign influence. Freedom of thought and individuality were viewed as "freethinking" and "sedition."
He remained in office as minister for 16 years.
Amid the general decline of religious and civil institutions in Europe, despite the widespread spread of destructive forces, Russia has fortunately retained a fervent faith in certain religious, moral, and political concepts that are uniquely its own. In the sacred remnants of its nationality lies the guarantee of its future destiny. It is the responsibility of the government, and especially the ministry entrusted to me by the Most High, to gather them into a single whole and tie them to the anchor of our salvation.
Strengthened control over universities and gymnasiums.
Whose hand, strong and experienced, can keep the aspirations of minds within the boundaries of order and silence and reject everything that could disturb the general structure?
At the same time, he laid the foundations of real education in Russia and sent scientists abroad.
In 1846, at 60, he received the hereditary title of count.
During the European revolutions of 1848-1849 (the so-called "Spring of Nations"), he initiated the publication of an article in defense of universities, which Nicholas I was extremely unhappy with:
You must obey, but keep your thoughts to yourself.
After that he resigned.
He died in Moscow in 1855, six months after the reformer came to power. Alexander II.
