Léon Tolstoï
Léon Tolstoï
Full Name and Common Aliases
Léon Tolstoï was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer who wrote under the name Leo Tolstoy.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 9, 1828, in Tula Province, Russia; died on November 20, 1910, in Astapovo Station, Russia.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Russian; Novelist, Philosopher, Social Reformer
Early Life and Background
Léon Tolstoï was born into a noble family and grew up in the countryside. His early life was marked by turmoil due to his father's financial struggles. He was educated at home before attending the University of Kazan, where he studied law but became disillusioned with the subject. After leaving university, Tolstoy traveled extensively throughout Europe, which had a profound impact on his writing and worldview.
Major Accomplishments
Tolstoy is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors in world literature. His novels are known for their realistic portrayal of life in 19th-century Russia, exploring themes such as love, family, morality, and social justice. Some of his most notable works include:
_War and Peace_ (1865-1869), a sweeping epic that follows the lives of several families during the Napoleonic Wars
_Anna Karenina_ (1875-1877), a tragic love story set against the backdrop of Russian high society
Tolstoy was also an advocate for social reform, believing in the importance of living simply and self-sufficiently. He renounced his nobility title and adopted a more humble lifestyle, advocating for land redistribution and worker rights.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his novels, Tolstoy wrote numerous essays and philosophical works that explored the meaning of life and the role of faith in society. Some notable examples include:
_The Kingdom of God is Within You_ (1894), a collection of essays on pacifism and nonviolent resistance
_What is Art?_ (1898), an essay on aesthetics and the purpose of art
Tolstoy's influence extended beyond literature to inspire movements for social change. His ideas about nonviolence, simplicity, and self-sufficiency continue to be studied and applied today.
Impact and Legacy
Léon Tolstoï's impact on world literature cannot be overstated. His novels have been translated into countless languages and continue to be widely read and studied today. His philosophical writings have inspired movements for social change, including the Russian Revolution of 1917. As a writer and thinker, Tolstoy remains one of the most influential figures in modern history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tolstoy's quotes are often cited due to their profound insights into human nature, morality, and society. His writing continues to be widely read today because of its timeless relevance and universal themes.
Quotes by Léon Tolstoï
La gente me llama falsa. Es verdad, no sería apropiado ser honesta, una moneda tiene dos caras y en la vida hay que mirar a ambos lados.
No hay condiciones, por duras que sean, a las que el hombre no pueda habituarse, sobretodo si se convence de que todos los que le rodean viven del mismo modo.
Si el bien tiene una causa, ya no es bien. Si tiene una consecuencia, en forma de recompensa, tampoco lo es. Por tanto, el bien está fuera de la cadena de causas y efectos
La mujer nunca podrá encontrar un objeto que realmente colme sus expectativas, por la sencilla razón de que no existe.
¿Consideran ustedes que la guerra es inevitable? Estupendo. Los que predican la guerra que formen un destacamento especial de asalto, que vayan en primera línea, a la cabeza de todos, y comanden los ataques.
But by marriages of prudence we mean those in which both parties have sown their wild oats already. That's like scarlatina—one has to go through it and get it over.