Vadim Alexandrovich was interested inВ literature and the Russian language from aВ very young age, and now that he was aВ teacher, he decided toВ give himself up toВ science. OfВ course, the work ofВ aВ teacher is fascinating, but when you have toВ explain topics every day, if you really love science, there is an involuntary desire toВ create and learn amazing bins ofВ science, whatever it mayВ be.
The teacher himself was interested in the subject of science fiction, and lexicography in this area. The fact is that when creating fantastic works, authors usually use both scientific terminology and colloquial speech, in a sense popularizing the development of technology. But at the same time, the way the characters address each other plays a big role. When speaking, it is possible to use an official style, or a simple one, and their mixture creates a certain psychological discomfort. Vadim Vavilov decided to investigate this lexicology and wrote a master’s thesis for a master’s degree.
His work described the analysis that he had done on the science fiction works В«The Mysterious IslandВ», В«The Air SellerВ», В«The Lord ofВ the WorldВ», В«IВ am aВ RobotВ» and many others, thanks toВ which he managed toВ compile some systematics toВ determine the type ofВ work. It was something like aВ system ofВ tables that allowed you toВ determine the type ofВ work. As it seemed toВ the teacher then, his work promised toВ be quite large-scale and was quite enough for him toВ write aВ PhD and even doctoral dissertations on this topic.
Just his recent acquaintance with the Doctor of Philology, Professor Ulyanov Vasily Nikolaevich, which took place last week, was very useful. And so, when he completed his first master’s thesis, he decided to talk to the professor and ask to be his supervisor.
Vasily Nikolaevich was preparing for the upcoming lecture. The door ofВ the auditorium opened and Vadim Alexandrovich entered.
– Vadim Alexandrovich! – the professor was happy to meet you.
– Hello, Vasily Nikolaevich.
Both colleagues greeted each other joyfully, and then Vasily Nikolaevich led the teacher toВ the table and joyfully began the conversation:
– How glad I am that you came. I really didn’t expect it – the professor was smiling, he managed to grow a beard in a month, it wasn’t as big as Vadim’s, but you could tell that it suits him.
– I didn’t want to bother you too much.
– What is the concern, my dear friend? You can’t bother me in any way, but as I see, have you brought something for me?
– You guessed right, Professor. I decided to defend my scientific work. This is my master’s thesis and I would like you to become my supervisor – Vadim Alexandrovich handed over the work a little timidly.
– I am very glad, Vadim Alexandrovich, you should have done this much earlier, because your talent should definitely find its place, and it is definitely above the level of a secondary education teacher. And of course I agree to become a scientific supervisor – the professor accepts the job smiling.
– Thank you, Professor.
– But that’s not all. It’s almost lunchtime, so I’ll be at lunch after this lecture, and then I’ll get to your work, I’ll just have time. Kindly come to my office closer to two o’clock.
– Of course, I will come – at that time the bell rang, symbolizing the beginning of the couple, so Vadim Alexandrovich without stopping said goodbye to the professor and left to return at the specified time.
When Vadim Alexandrovich arrived at the specified time, Vasily Nikolaevich had already read the work. They talked for a long time and corrected inaccuracies, sometimes adding new research. And for more confirmation, the professor provided opportunities for conducting his own sociological experiment, which Vadim Alexandrovich was able to conduct next week. While the work on the work continued, Vadim Alexandrovich was already able to enter the master’s program. So about two years have passed. And at the end of the master’s degree, Vadim Alexandrovich had to present a ready-made master’s thesis.
Vasily Nikolaevich also prepared aВ review, and they also managed toВ get aВ positive review from Academician ofВ the Academy ofВ Sciences Gavriil Artemovich Venyaminov. After such aВ joyful review from the professor, Vadim applied with great joy. And all this happened at the Tomsk State University, which was established back inВ 1870.
And finally, that very solemn day came. On that day, aВ scientific commission gathered inВ aВ spacious hall, on that day with Vadim Alexandrovich, his comrade and colleague Gleb Valentinovich had toВ defend him. Both undergraduates were sitting inВ the corridor and preparing for their hour. They were waiting for their turn, one lady came inВ front ofВ them, who also defended her work, but both undergraduates did not have the honor toВ talk toВ this person. Their supervisors were already inВ the hall, as were the employees ofВ this department, so they were completely alone inВ the corridor. Both were solemnly dressed, and inВ their hands they held aВ stack ofВ papers, these were copies ofВ their dissertations, the necessary diagrams, pointers and plans.
– What did you say about your work, Vadim Alexandrovich? – to calm down, Gleb Valentinovich decided to start a conversation.
– Have you really forgotten the title that you read a minute ago? – the teacher was surprised and again looking at the cover of his work quoted – «The role of the official narrative style, as well as the characteristic parameters of determining the type of work, when creating literary works of the science fiction genre.»
One could not be surprised at such aВ long title ofВ scientific papers, here almost everyone had them not small. Someone wrote their meaning there and sincerely worked, and someone just defended himself with such terminology, trying toВ seem better.
– Excuse my forgetfulness, colleague, – Gleb Valentinovich apologized.
When about two hours ofВ long waiting had passed, the lady with aВ joyful look fluttered out ofВ the hall. And finally the moment came when Vadim Alexandrovich was supposed toВ speak. The secretary ofВ the Scientific Council read out his data and the documents presented. Vasily Nikolaevich was already sitting inВ the ranks ofВ those present, among them one could see the same Gabriel Artemovich, who decided toВ watch the performance ofВ the youngВ man.
– Hello ladies and gentlemen! Initially, let me thank you all for your time. I would like to present to your attention my scientific work «The role of the official narrative style, as well as the characteristic parameters of determining the type of work, when creating literary works of the science fiction genre.» My work is based on the theory that the verbal relationship in the official style in the works increases the likelihood of their success among the public. The relevance of this work is visible on the face, and it is also worth saying that I managed to conduct several experiments on this topic, for which I bring special thanks to Mr. Vasily Nikolaevich Ulyanov and for scientific advice to Gavriil Artemovich Veniaminov. The subject of my scientific work is…
The performance ofВ the young man lasted about three hours. Vadim actively talked about new research, cited numerous facts, confirmed his scientific conclusions not only with sociological parameters, but, strange as it may sound, with medical data that he conducted toВ analyze the effect ofВ the official narrative style on the human body and additionally cited aВ number ofВ mathematical formulas byВ introducing the entire system into aВ full-fledged framework. So, based only on the style ofВ the narrative, Vadim Alexandrovich managed toВ create aВ whole system ofВ classification ofВ works and their effects.
– So, gentlemen, we can create the most necessary classification system, using which our authors can create the best works without any mistakes. It is worth saying that more experienced authors subconsciously know such a system, but for the younger generation, as well as for the experienced creators themselves, this systematics is necessary. It is by this method that it will be possible to develop the literary field of research and the creations of our vast Homeland. And in conclusion, I would like to say that my research is actively continuing and it is still necessary to go much deeper into this and other issues of literary criticism, and to learn the latest secrets. And I can say with great joy – «To be a scientist is proud of the Lord!»
That’s how grandiosely I was able to finish my speech, which was very highly appreciated, even by Gavriil Artemovich’s colleagues. So Vadim Alexandrovich finally received the well-deserved title of master. Now he worked at the university and taught philology. But Vadim’s words about new research were not long in coming. And two months later, he applied for a PhD thesis. How lucky Vadim Alexandrovich was, because during those two years in the magistracy he managed to prepare both a candidate’s dissertation for the scientific title of Doctor of Philosophy in philological sciences and a doctoral dissertation for the scientific title of Doctor of Philology.
Vadim Alexandrovich presented his PhD thesis two months later, with an appendix ofВ about 30В scientific articles that he managed toВ publish inВ aВ variety ofВ scientific journals. Vasily Nikolaevich actively helped inВ this, not only as aВ scientific supervisor, but also helped financially, even considering that Vadim Alexandrovich spent almost all ofВ his salary for these months on publishing and preparing scientific papers. At the same time, he prepared one monograph and two textbooks. Vadim Alexandrovich was able toВ complete his first textbook after aВ meeting with Vasily Nikolaevich, but they decided toВ wait for the right time for publication.
Soon Vadim Alexandrovich was standing in that hall again, but he was already presenting his documents for the degree of Candidate of Philological Sciences. And although a lot of time passed after submitting the documents, they answered Vadim Alexandrovich quite quickly. It is not necessary to say that everything was too easy, there were not small difficulties and if there were fewer discussions during the defense of the master’s thesis, then there were difficulties during scientific discussions during the defense of the candidate’s thesis, in addition to the difficulties that Vadim overcame only by preparing this work.
– …I decided to present to your attention my scientific dissertation «The impact on the psychological perception of literary work when using scientific and technical reliability and mathematical proof in the creation of fantastic works and constructions» for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Philological sciences. In this work of mine, I wanted to show the problem of the lack of scientific reliability in many fantastic works of our time and how this affects the perception of such works … – when the speech was completed, the questions were much stronger than last time.
– Mr. Vavilov, do you really think that it has the role of using science as such? Were you not familiar with such concepts as philosophy, which should prevail in such a work? – one of the listeners asked.
– I’m sorry, but I think it’s worth considering the philosophy of scientific development, which is very important especially for fantastic works.
– In that case, what are the goals of creating textbooks? Science should be located only for popularization and no more. And even then it should not be increased unnecessarily. And you propose to increase the volume – another listener was already asking, but it was clear from the intonation that everyone perfectly understood the idea of Vadim Alexandrovich, but they asked questions specifically to refute the idea at all costs for the young researcher.
– Gentlemen, to protect the work, I can bring to your attention a more detailed presentation of the work «Philosophy of Science in Works», which has been published and has detailed instructions and answers to your questions.
– We have read your work, Vadim Alexandrovich. We didn’t find any special evidence of your rightness there…
This dispute lasted for quite a long time, so the candidate’s work cost Vadim Alexandrovich much more than the master’s work. But this did not frighten him, because he planned to present his biggest work in his doctoral dissertation. After receiving the post of Candidate of Sciences, Vadim began to receive much more and already seemed to have enough for a comfortable life, but he could not get down to it in any way. Therefore, he decided first to take up the post of doctor of sciences, and then to take care of his apartment, his house, which still remained the same as it was.
The work on the doctoral dissertation was going well and Vadim Alexandrovich repeatedly rewrote the work that he had conceived back in his master’s degree. Together with Vasily Nikolaevich, who was always there, they were able to publish a monograph and a textbook, as well as about 50 scientific articles for this year. Protection was coming soon. Vasily Nikolaevich never showed even the slightest distrust of his colleague, on the contrary, he supported him. But a lot changed in the summer of 2002.
Vadim Alexandrovich and Vasily Nikolaevich continued their work at the professor’s house, who never invited his colleague. The door opened and the grandson of the Doctor of Sciences entered. The scientists did not get distracted and did not pay attention, and noticed the boy only when he approached the dense. Then they decided to take a break and go out for tea. Then the boy asked:
– Vadim Alexandrovich, and what is your most important work based on, as grandpa says? – in the eyes of the boy there was a sincere desire for knowledge and curiosity, which did not give rest for a moment, Vadim had to explain in the simplest possible language, without a term, and then he said:
– I’ll explain it to you like this. Imagine you’re reading an interesting book, and you really like it. It’s about spaceships, about adventures…
– And about pirates, rescuers? the boy added.
– And about pirates, and about rescuers. And now imagine a writer who came up with a story, but does not know how to write for a boy like you, so that it would be very interesting. Here I will come to help him.
– How is that?
– It’s very simple. If he has an idea, then he can look at my table and understand what his idea looks like, because there are many of them, and their types too. Having learned the type, he can also, through my table, looking at the features of his story, which I have listed here, understand how to write so that all such boys and girls like his book, and so that it is popular.
– Is it possible?
– Of course, it’s possible.
– Then I will definitely read your work when you are done! – the boy spoke with delight. – And then I will write the best book that has not been read yet!
– Go play – said the professor, then turned to a colleague – Are you sure that we will succeed?
– Of course, Vasily Nikolaevich, because we have been working for a whole year.
– Maybe it will work out, but I’m not sure what they will miss there. You have not forgotten the dispute after the defense of the candidate.
– Of course I haven’t forgotten, but what prevents me from breaking through a second time?
– Hmm… I made an appointment with Gabriel Artemovich about our meeting with him. He asked you to be there too. Therefore, if you don’t mind, let’s go to him, and we will continue the work after arrival – the professor tried to persuade.
– If it’s urgent…
Very soon they were already inВ place and were sitting with their old friend, Academician Gavriil Artemovich.
– Vasily Nikolaevich told about your work – the academician himself was of advanced age, so he spoke slowly. – And you know, Vadim Alexandrovich, now I don’t know you enough, and you know me. I have often supported you, but this time, we need to face the truth. This is too large-scale work.
– Gavriil Artemovich, you can not doubt me.
– Vadim Alexandrovich – this was said by Gavriila Artemovich’s comrade Academician Viktor Romanovich, who was sitting with them – if you want to hear my advice, as an academician and colleague of Gavriila Artemovich, then for so many years I have never heard that there was such a miraculous table in literature, even if the best psychologist in the world takes up the case. Believe me, I don’t see much prospect. Yes, it was a good job. Yes, they agreed with you when you were a teacher, when you were a master, even when you were a candidate, but to have a doctor already… I’m sorry, but I think you should do more mundane things.
– But…
– Viktor Romanovich is absolutely right, – Gavriil Artemovich added, – I will also advise you to leave this job of yours and take up a simpler type. For example, leave at least that table to determine the type of narration and based on this, in addition, you have enough for this.
– But Professor, so much work…
– I think Viktor Romanovich and Gavriil Artemovich are right, Vadim. I also agree with them, I just couldn’t tell you that. This is pure utopia, Vadim Alexandrovich, and there is no point in continuing our work. It is better to take one detail and develop it a little, as far as possible. In my opinion, this is the only move.
– Also, do not forget about your health, because if you work too much on such a big job, you may face insanity – said Viktor Romanovich.
– Viktor Romanovich, how can this threaten me when I love my job…
– Which has no future of its own – added Gavriil Artemovich.
– Maybe, maybe your idea is somehow realized in 5 years, maybe in 10, or maybe in 100 years at all? – Vasily Nikolaevich tried to speak mildly, but now we have no chance. The best thing that can happen is that your speech will not be approved as valid, and we will return. And at worst, you will be offered to perform only next year!
– I understand you, gentlemen – only Vadim Alexandrovich replied dryly.
Then Vasily Nikolaevich looked at his watch and said:
– Excuse me, I think it’s time for us, we still need to prepare the work – I offered Vadim Alexandrovich to go.
They were returning to Vasily Nikolaevich’s house, but then suddenly the professor told the driver to turn off. When they turned around, they arrived in the forest…
Chapter four. Journey
It is not known where they were going and what the professor was up to, but when they turned, they were already passing through some forest that Vadim Alexandrovich had not been familiar with before. Suddenly the driver lost control and the car fell toВ the side ofВ the road. ToВ the horror ofВ the scientists, the driver died on the spot, and they themselves were slightly injured. When they came out, the candidate ofВ Sciences asked the professor:
– Professor, where were we going?
– We were going to the same university, I wanted to show you an old friend of mine, but apparently fate threw us not far. This is the same forest where my colleague died in an accident – said Vasily Nikolaevich holding on to a colleague. It was already evening and it was dark, they needed to get back into the city somehow.
– Vasily Nikolaevich, but how will we get home?
– There are no cars passing through here, because a longer, but safer way was built, I wanted to shorten it. Therefore, the only option is for us to walk, I think there should be an exit not far away, because we have not driven so deep.
– What about our phones?
– We won’t be able to give any signal, our phones won’t work.
After this brief dialogue, they continued their journey on foot. On the way Vadim Alexandrovich asked:
– And who was your colleague and why did you want to show me his place of work?
– I wanted to show you his work. He was a physicist and worked tirelessly. He was a candidate of sciences and worked on chemical compounds or, more precisely, on their atomic structures. He worked so hard and was able to reveal completely new data. Then the security services became interested in him, he began to appear less in public, and I had little opportunity to communicate with him after that. And then, I was able to meet him for the last time. And then, it became clear about his death. Surprisingly, at his request, his corpse is still here. I think we’ve come,» the professor whispered.
The professor’s phone had a built-in flashlight, and he didn’t turn it on to save the charge, which was almost gone, but now he couldn’t help but show it. He turned it on and directed it up. A body appeared before the eyes of Vadim Alexandrovich, this man was hanged on a tree branch. Frozen bottomless eyes exuded incomprehensible emotions. He was a middle-aged man, slightly younger than the professor. He was wearing a white lab coat and gloves. And a crazy smile froze on his face for ever…
Vadim Alexandrovich froze inВ place, and Vasily Nikolaevich spoke:
– That’s what excessive striving leads to! Do you think science will reciprocate your efforts? – no! They will suck all your blood and make you rot hanging on the gallows made by your hands! Yes, we are scientists, but we must also beware of this force. When we go too deep and learn, we become stronger, but our enthusiasm causes fear – they are afraid of us. They were afraid of him! He became so strong that people simply did not catch up to him and that’s what it led to! Therefore – he quickly looked at Vadim – stop Vadim Alexandrovich and stop your work! And start a simple job, otherwise the same fate awaits you!
The candidate of Sciences froze in place and simply could not move, could not say a word, he was torn apart from the inside, he was shod with fear, fear, where did his scientific courage go? Where had his fearlessness gone? Now they were gone and Vadim Alexandrovich realized how far he had come… Suddenly they heard the howl of a wolf and rushed forward, trying to escape as quickly as possible, but Vadim Alexandrovich fell and lost consciousness…
When the scientist woke up, he was already at Vasily Nikolaevich’s house. They were rescued by a forester who lived nearby and helped them get out. Now in Vadim’s eyes that fervor did not burn, that enthusiasm did not burn, and no, he did not lose interest – he was scared, he abandoned and buried his idea in a grave that is deeper than any hole on Earth, he buried it in his soul as far as possible so that he would never remember it again.
Finally, a solemn day has come, which Vadim used to think would be one of the happiest in his life. Before the speech, he met his friend Gleb Valentinovich, the one with whom they were waiting in line to defend their master’s thesis.
– Vadim Alexandrovich! How glad I am to meet you again! Are you trying to be a doctor?
– You guessed right, Gleb Valentinovich, but we haven’t seen you since the magistracy.
– Exactly. After all, I worked for a long time after that. Right now, only on the candidate.
– Are you worried?
– Why should I worry when everything is paid.
– I’m sorry, what do you mean?
– I will definitely be a candidate, even if I don’t say anything. I paid them to take me in. I trust you even with my innermost secrets, because we have not worked side by side for two years in vain, right?
– I’m sorry, but I’m a little surprised by your act.
«You don’t look it.» Excuse me, but why are you so sad, dear friend? Something happened? If you’re worried, it won’t be difficult for me…
– No, you don’t need to. And I’m sad because I buried my most grandiose idea.
– Well, this is also not a problem, you just need to pay and they will accept any of your whims, Vadim Alexandrovich. At least announce the number «pi» again!
