In article separate private experience of clearing of the peasants, taking place on the eve of 1861 in A.V. Golovnin, A.D. Bludova and K.D. Kavrlin’s manors are considered. Research shows similarity of perception initiators of reforms of reaction from outside peasants. In article comes to light, how stereotypes about country passivity, to irrationality and backwardness interfered with dialogue of landowners-reformers with peasants.
