Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov remains a central figure in Russian culture, although almost two hundred years have passed since his tragic death in Tehran in 1829. It has grown to the rank of a symbol of lost opportunities. The author of the first political comedy in Russia, Woe to the Wit, which brought him worldwide fame, with great literary talent, an outstanding diplomat, the creator of the economic project thanks to which Russia could become a serious economic rival of the Great Britain and a tool of influence in the Caucasus, was laid on the altar of the interests of the empire.  
A fateful day in Tehran put an end to Griboyedov's search. Nevertheless, the path travelled by the poet and diplomat is not an individual event. It becomes, to a greater or lesser extent, the share of all those who mature into self-reliance by separating themselves from the group to which they previously belonged passively. 
When the empire is contested it results in an individual’s marginalization and withdrawal them from important decisions or even - annihilation. 
The fate of the writer-diplomat provokes questions about the tasks and possibilities of action of the Russian intelligentsia also in the domestic and international arena.