# Education and Enlightenment in What Is to Be Done?

> Theme guide for What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky.

Education is portrayed as a key to personal liberation and social progress, with characters like Lopukhov and Kirsanov valuing knowledge, and Vera Pavlovna reading and dreaming of a better world.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): Lopukhóf's dedication to medical science, his ambition to become a professor, and his rejection of wealth for the sake of advancing knowledge exemplify the theme of education and enlightenment.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v): Vera realizes her ideas come from books and conversations, and that new books now present these ideas as realizable.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii): Lopukhóf brings books to Viérotchka, and the chapter discusses the interpretation of texts, highlighting the role of education in personal development.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iv): Viéra Pavlovna educates the seamstresses about business practices and encourages their personal development, such as helping some pass examinations as private teachers.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v): Vera teaches pupils and the household servant, and the couple hosts young instructors who seek intellectual growth.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii): Both characters are shown achieving self-education through determination and resourcefulness, highlighting the value of enlightenment as a means of self-improvement.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x): Kirsánof's career illustrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the struggle for academic recognition against conservative opposition.
- [XXXI: A Colloquy with the Sapient Reader, and His Banishment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxxi-a-colloquy-with-the-sapient-reader-and-his-banishment): The author urges readers to pursue culture, observation, and reading to achieve happiness and self-development, central to the chapter's message.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi): Vera Pavlovna studies medicine with Kirsánov's help, preparing for examinations and pursuing intellectual independence.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv): Kirsanov discusses how love enhances intellectual and moral strength, linking emotional fulfillment to scientific and personal enlightenment.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): Kátya's unconventional upbringing, free from strict governesses, allows her to pursue reading and dreaming, highlighting a progressive approach to a young woman's intellectual development.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi): Katerina teaches little girls but questions the priority of education over providing bread; the chapter debates the role of education in social improvement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes/education_and_enlightenment
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes