This article, though dedicated to the anniversary of a prominent Russian sociologist, is non-ceremonial in nature. Author’s goal is to understand M.K. Gorshkov’s academic path as efforts of a person fusing considerable organizational talent with a high research culture. As a starting point, one may take the idea of the unity of Russian sociology destinies with sociologist’s participation in elaborating its specific problems in the context of scholar’s idea of «sociology for society». As the author of the article asserts, heading a top Russian sociological center with its developed regional infrastructure, «the hero of the day» implements scientific strategy of monitoring social processes, which requires a systematic analysis of changes taking place in Russian society, the study of new social realities and elevation of sociological knowledge to the rank of social diagnostics. Obviously, contribution of the person to developing Russian sociological thought, increasing its prestige and influence in Russian society does not need excessive praise. The life credo of M.K. Gorshkov is expressed in the fact that thanks to him and his colleagues and associates, Russian sociology has become a part of world sociological community, not following conjuncture and «fashion for the new», forming an integral approach to studying Russian society specifics.