"Hard To Be A God" is a science fiction novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, first published in 1973. The story follows a human observer named Anton who is sent to a distant planet, Arkanar, where society is stuck in a feudal state. His mission is to observe and not interfere, but he struggles with the brutality and ignorance of the planet's inhabitants. As Anton witnesses the oppression and violence around him, he grapples with the moral dilemmas of inaction versus intervention. The novel explores themes of power, humanity, and the responsibilities that come with knowledge, raising questions about the nature of progress and civilization.