Nikolai Chernyshevsky was a Russian writer and philosopher born on April 12, 1828. He is best known for his novel, What Is to Be Done?, which explores themes of social reform and the role of the individual in society. Chernyshevsky's ideas influenced the Russian revolutionary movement and contributed to the development of Marxism in Russia. Chernyshevsky was also a prominent critic of the existing social and political systems of his time. His writings advocated for rational thought and the importance of personal freedom. He was imprisoned for his beliefs and spent several years in exile, but his work continued to inspire future generations of thinkers and activists.