The collection features material of the scientific conference held in Minsk on November 26 and 27, 1998. Most reports focus on ideals of Belarusian historic and contemporary society, religious and educational ideals of modern society, and also culture. The issue's importance is underscored by the assumption that a person without ideals cannot be constructive. The same is true as far as society is concerned. A society without ideals is doomed to degeneration. Belarusian society has established traditions of striving for ideals from the historical viewpoint. A revival or a combination of old and new ideals is of great importance to society, which has found itself at the crossroads. That was the main subject of conference.