Boris Gurevich
USA- Early Life and Education
- Literary Career and Philosophy
- Political Involvement and Publications
- Emigration and Anti-Bolshevik Activities
- Later Life
Early Life and Education
Boris Abramovich Pechersky was born into a Jewish family in Kyiv, Ukraine. His father was a medical doctor and a poet, while his mother died relatively early. Pechersky received his secondary education at the Fourth Kyiv Gymnasium, graduating with a gold medal. He then enrolled at the University of St. Vladimir in Kyiv, initially studying natural sciences before switching to law. He completed his law degree with honors for his work on English legal philosophy.
Literary Career and Philosophy
Pechersky was also a writer and poet. In 1912, he published a collection of poems entitled "Вечно человеческое" ("The Eternal Human"), which aimed to create a new literary genre called "scientism". In 1913, he traveled to Germany to study philosophy at the University of Freiburg under Professor Rickert. He also researched economics and agrarian issues.
In 1914, Pechersky became seriously ill and was hospitalized. Upon his return to Russia, he enrolled at the Petrograd University to pursue further studies in philosophy under Professor N.O. Lossky.
Political Involvement and Publications
Pechersky was a member of the Party of Popular Freedom. He lectured on international law and pacifism, and he wrote several books and brochures on evolutionary socialism and patriotic agitation.
During the Russian Revolution of 1917, Pechersky worked for the State Duma as a propaganda officer in the army. He was involved in the "Союз эволюционного социализма" ("Union of Evolutionary Socialism"). After the Bolshevik takeover, he fled to Kyiv and became a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party.
Emigration and Anti-Bolshevik Activities
In 1919, Pechersky moved to Odessa and later to Kyiv before returning to Rostov-on-Don. He joined the National Center there and worked in various newspapers. He played a role in developing an agreement between Jewish leaders and General A.I. Denikin to prevent pogroms.
After the failure of this agreement, Pechersky emigrated to Constantinople in 1920. There, he was involved in anti-Bolshevik organizations and became a member of the Party of Popular Freedom. He later supported General Wrangel but resigned in 1922.
Later Life
Pechersky spent his final years in Constantinople, where he lectured on philosophy at the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). He continued to express his opposition to Bolshevism until his death.
