The Wisdom Of Leo Tolstoy

The Wisdom Series

by Leo Tolstoy

Book by Tolstoy, Leo

Genres: Philosophy, Russia

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (Russian: Лев Николаевич Толстой; most appropriately used Liev Tolstoy; commonly Leo Tolstoy in Anglophone countries) was a Russian writer who primarily wrote novels and short stories. Later in life, he also wrote plays and essays. His two most famous works, the novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are acknowledged as two of the greatest novels of all time and a pinnacle of realist fiction. Many consider Tolstoy to have been one of the world's greatest novelists. Tolstoy is equally known for his complicated and paradoxical persona and for his extreme moralistic and ascetic views, which he adopted after a moral crisis and spiritual awakening in the 1870s, after which he also became noted as a moral thinker and social reformer.

His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reviews

[flms23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tolstoy at his most philosophical and spiritual, examines the words of Jesus, in particular his words from the Sermon on the Mount, and discusses how the doctrines of religion stray from those words and why organized religion and its systems and processes had become unnecessary for him.

A common theme of the book is one of "nonviolent resistance," a philosophy later adopted by Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.”

As Tolstoy eloquently writes, "These words, 'resist not evil,' "when I understood their significance, were to me the key that opened all the rest.... Whatever injury the evil-disposed may inflict upon you, bear it, give it all you have, but resist not."

[Shikha Malviya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is about Tolstoy's disillusionment regarding church and Christian dogma and finding Spirituality within Christianity. Tolstoy made clear distinction between Church and scriptural Christian teachings and how so called church goers and clergies were so far removed from original Christian doctrines. On some occasions like its often the case with Tolstoy, he went on and on for things that could have been presented more succinctly. But being an old fan I don't mind Tolstoy's rambling

[Scott W. Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at Tolstoy's own religion based on his literal interpretations of Christ's teachings. It is a simple yet strict religion, and there are many positive aspects to it. I for one would find it too difficult to follow, and I disagree with his distaste for the laws and rules of society and the punishment of those who break those laws. While I admit no society is perfect, I do believe it's necessary to allow for any level of peaceful living. Tolstoy seems to believe that the peaceful life is the natural way for man, and if we all followed life as he did by his interpretation of Christ's teachings we would have a peaceful world, a heaven on earth. What can I say? Maybe I'm cynical, but I guess I don't have as much faith in human nature as Tolstoy did. Still, I applaud him, and he deserves respect for working out a system that worked for him and sharing it with the world. This book is actually a selection of chapters from his much longer book "What I Believe" (aka "My Religion"), though I doubt I'll read the full version. What I did read though was clearly written, easy to follow and thought-provoking.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty dense but very interesting for those who question organized religion. The good thing is that it's more about the system and less about faith. See how Tolstoy freaks out and ends up living alone in a field.

[Paul H. Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonder

Tolstoy is a grand writer, philosopher and theologian. The book is well arranged and fascinating to read take the time to read it

[Mrs Reddy Mallender-Katzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite Boring i hadn't realised id find it boring i should've read the review first

[Argawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first Tolstoy book I read and have been fascinated. one thing that I find difficult to completely adopt is the pacifist approach he has to the encroachment of others. being a supporter of the "non aggression principle" I've understood that aggression is only legitimate in self defense (never being the initiator of violence). however I also understand that Jesus Christ taught to be peaceful with all especially those that spite you, like your enemies, etc, and that makes sense to me also. so if I want to be a true disciple of Christ I need to throw the "non aggression principle" which I hold on to so dearly out the window and become a "pacifist". I also support gun ownership/rights, so this is further contradicting with me as well. I'm left in a state of "cognitive dissonance". my mind is struggling between these beliefs. if one is faced with a life death situation how would one react? Jesus let himself be crucified for one... I have a new dilemma to work with

the author, Leo Tolstoy is a Christian Anarchist Pacifist and a very interesting person to study. I recommend this book and am looking forward to read more of his stuff

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Tolstoy's testimony of his spiritual growth from an immature citizen of the state (Russia) to a citizen of the world. His inspiration is the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A philosophical look at the concept of "Resist Not Evil and Judge Not Thy Neighbor to Letting go of Fear and Allowing Forgiveness." Profound; yet exegetical.

[Stosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, chimerical in spots but very wise overall and well executed. Very enjoyable read. Thought provoking.

[Cally Clifft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tolstoy's war and peace is a significant novel. Understanding a bit more about it's author's belief was interesting

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy for you… or sorry that happened