Nikolay Chernyshevsky's What Is to Be Done? (1863) is a seminal work of Russian literature that inspired generations of revolutionaries. The novel follows Vera Pavlovna, a woman seeking independence and equality in a patriarchal society. Through her journey, Chernyshevsky presents his vision of a utopian socialist future, emphasizing rational egoism and cooperative living. The book's philosophical underpinnings and progressive ideas make it a cornerstone of radical thought.