Where have the Russian inventors gone, the ones who were 'world firsts'?
There is no technological innovation without national and social innovation.

Who invented the first light bulb? The answer to this question will likely be Thomas Edison.
But even before Edison began his research on electric light, Russian electrical engineer Alexander Lodygin invented the first electric incandescent lamp using a filament.
And that's not all.
Russians invented Europe's first steam locomotive, the first multi-engine passenger aircraft, and created Europe's first electric computer.
But among the 'inventors' we know, there are very few who are Russian.
Like Tchaikovsky in music and Tolstoy in literature, Russia has gone down in history as a pioneer in music, literature, philosophy, mathematics, and basic science. However, despite achieving numerous firsts in the field of technology and inventions, it has failed to leave a mark on world history.
What is the reason?

The author of this book says:
“The success of technology is determined outside the laboratory, in the broader socio-economic environment.” Over the past 300 years, Russia has excelled at developing technological ideas, but has failed to translate them into commercial profits or global recognition.
As the title of the book suggests, it is ‘Lonely Ideas.’
The author traces the history and chronology of the technological fields led by Russia.
In the process, it shows that even the most outstanding ideas and inventions cannot bear fruit under the state's faulty judgment and excessive control.

The history of science and technology in Russia reflects the history of Russian politics and society.
Revolutions that overthrow the system occur in Russia, but gradual social reforms are rarely achieved.
Because there was no social innovation, scientific, technological, and industrial development were bound to be delayed.
Based on the author's extensive research and field investigations, this book covers the problems of Russian science and technology (Part 1), the root causes of those problems (Part 2), and the current situation, prospects, and recommendations (Part 3).

Until now, there have been few books published in Korea that comprehensively cover the history of Russian science and inventors.
In that respect, this book, “Solitary Ideas,” provides readers with valuable information.
Furthermore, it is also valuable as a humanities textbook, as it goes beyond the simple history of science and technology and covers the social and political history that underpins it.