Life of Tolstoy

Author: Roman Rolland
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: Life can only become serious, meaningful, truly rich, and joyful when faced with death. He was an individualistic aristocrat, but in his later years, he unsuccessfully tried to live as a poor farmer. He initially indulged in sensual pleasures but ultimately became a complete Puritan. He is "an ordinary man," our close brother. He has more self-awareness than we do, more humanity, more rigorous thinking, clearer vision, and more passionate emotions. This genius moralist digs into his soul with cruel fervor and merciless severity. He spent his whole life striving to achieve self-perfection through self-portrayal, never stopping, never being satisfied, never allowing art to become merely formal. Tolstoy, the greatest writer, reformer, and most influential moral thinker.