The story takes place in the early 20th century and tells the story of a young man named Ivan Kozlov, who has been accused of murdering his father. The book describes the development of modern knowledge and the importance of understanding the technological process of developing modern knowledge as the basis for the survival of humanity and the unity of people in a warring state. The protagonist, Ivan Kozlov, is a young man who has been accused of murdering his father. He is a member of the intelligentsia and is well-versed in literature and philosophy. Despite his education and background, he is unable to defend himself against the accusations and is sentenced to death. As he waits for his execution, he reflects on the events that led him to this point and realizes that his downfall was due to his own pride and lack of understanding of the world around him. Throughout the book, Korolenko explores themes such as honor, morality, and the role of technology in society. He argues that technology has become a driving force in modern society and that it is essential to understand its evolution in order to survive.

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