Maxim Gorky's novel The Confession embodies the philosophy of the "God-building" movement that arose in the Russian Empire in the late 19th century. The Confession expresses Gorky's belief in humanity when strong individuals are connected to each other. It also reflects Gorky's disgust with injustice, hypocrisy, and conditions that degrade human dignity, and his faith in human potential. The Confession gives insight into some compelling Russian and wider human themes explored by Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov and Gorky himself. These include the roles of the church, the state, and individuals, ubiquitous human questions of love, fear and death, and the responsibilities people have for one another.