Introduction. The work is aimed at revealing the dialectical relationship between the sense of conscience and historical memory, the conditionality of both by the dominant ideals of culture. Theoretical analysis. Using a psychoanalytic approach and the method of critical philosophical reflection, the author focuses on the conditionality of the cognition of history, and at the same time historical memory, by the restrictive framework of conscience, set by the specific orientation of an individual to the ideals of culture. Empirical analysis. The consequences of the predominant emphasis in the media and educational environment on the negative aspects of the Soviet stage of history, which was one of the main reasons for the moral and spiritual disorientation of the inhabitants of the post-Soviet space, are analyzed. This disorientation, right up to moral degradation to Nazi ideals, with the corresponding framework of shame and conscience, manifested itself most clearly in modern Ukraine. Conclusion. The selectivity of this knowledge of history, and, consequently, this memory of the past, depends on the characteristics of the manifestations of a sense of conscience, coupled with the requirements of moral ideals that guide a person in his actions and thoughts. For the successful development of Russia, it is necessary to enrich the historical memory with positive, significant events of the past, building a line of continuity of ideals that orient towards social justice, past and present.