What do you think?
Rate this book
Одумайтесь
Ныне ваше время и власть тьмы.
— Лука, ХХII, 53.
В зволнованная статья Толстого о русско-японской войне. Он писал В. Г. Черткову 28 апреля 1904 г.: «Статья эта вышла как-то круто заостренная, оттого, что я писал статью о том, что все бедствия людские от отсутствия религии, и уже довольно подвинулся в этой статье, когда началась война, представлявшаяся мне иллюстрацией моей мысли. От этого я соединил две темы, и, пожалуй, ни одна не обработана достаточно». Первая тема разрабатывалась Толстым в статье о значении религии «Камень главы угла» (1903), завершенная под заголовком «Единое на потребу».
— Лука, ХХII, 53.
В зволнованная статья Толстого о русско-японской войне. Он писал В. Г. Черткову 28 апреля 1904 г.: «Статья эта вышла как-то круто заостренная, оттого, что я писал статью о том, что все бедствия людские от отсутствия религии, и уже довольно подвинулся в этой статье, когда началась война, представлявшаяся мне иллюстрацией моей мысли. От этого я соединил две темы, и, пожалуй, ни одна не обработана достаточно». Первая тема разрабатывалась Толстым в статье о значении религии «Камень главы угла» (1903), завершенная под заголовком «Единое на потребу».
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1904
33 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Leo Tolstoy
7,949 books28.4k followersLev 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 28, 2017
Well ,I cannot but admire this book because it has a very profound message that assures a certain deliverance of men from all the calamities which they inflict upon themselves ,and from the most dreadful of all - war and the slaughter of human race - . Tolstoy thinks that is attainable by a simple appeal to the consciousness of each separate man ; that every man must bethink himself ,ask himself ,who is he , why he lives ,and what he should and should not do under humans' laws that merely aim to the brutalization of men ,which is utterly uncalled for.
Whether those who regard themselves as enlightened men or the poor uneducated ones , Leo believes ,however strange he deems it may be , that both should understand that true religion is what would free them from the position in which humanity was placed back then (in the time of the Russian- Japanese conflict ). Personally ,i think that even though this book was written about a specific period of war, I think most of its teachings are still able to be thoroughly applied nowadays ,and that what matters in the end.
Whether those who regard themselves as enlightened men or the poor uneducated ones , Leo believes ,however strange he deems it may be , that both should understand that true religion is what would free them from the position in which humanity was placed back then (in the time of the Russian- Japanese conflict ). Personally ,i think that even though this book was written about a specific period of war, I think most of its teachings are still able to be thoroughly applied nowadays ,and that what matters in the end.
April 11, 2017
This book is 12 chapters of love and tolerance. This is an invitation to the modern world today, which brought up isis and all the blood thirsty gangs. We really need an angelic thinker just like Tolstoy. May God bless his soul.
September 26, 2017
Insofar as this conflict of the Russo-Japanese War, I would definately have to side with Tolstoy that the Russian expansionist policies were far too overly ambitious and costly especially with regard to human life. Russia has been notorious for its careless treatment of its soldiers as fodder. Additionally, the Japanese offered to recognize Russian dominance in Manchuria in exchange for recognition of Korea as being within the Japanese sphere of influence but Russia refused. I wouldn't argue that Japan had more right to the land than Russia did. Nor would I argue that the Japanese were in the right, in any way. Nevertheless, they were said to be largely ambivalent although they did subjugate and oppress their Korean neighbors by seizing the majority of their arable land by 1932 while making the tenants of it all Koreans. The oppressions of the Koreans especially began to pick up following WWI and into WWII. (See Koreans in Unit 731.) On the plus side, one good thing to come of Japanese rule was the abolishment of the Korean Caste system. That said had the victor been Russia, I imagine that similar atrocities would have befallen the native people.
Remarking on military strategy, the Russian empire was, and still is, far too large for efficient central rule and they were spread too thin lacking resources to properly manage their lands. For 100's of years the country has failed to see the virtues of less centralized management in favor of more independent self-governance fro a delegation of responsibilities. As such, similarly to China, the country has suffered with difficulties of mobilizing and supporting their military in any long term conflict. But where they have strength is in their numbers. They've had a tendency to over-use this to their advantage throwing their soldiers at the enemy with little consideration given to the life of the soldier.
I appreciate Tolstoy for his important influences for non-violent protests that worked rather successfully for Gandhi. I cannot, however, in good consciousness support pacifism in all circumstances. When a population is oppressed by an authority but are not being systematically murdered, this type of protest can be really effective. On the other hand, Tolstoy's pacifism is too naive for the more aggressive of enemies. When a country is being invaded or a people are being killed, one doesn't simply surrender to slaughter and oppression. There are good reasons to fight and engage in war. Defending the lives and quality of life for those people of whom cannot defend themselves, is a good reason to fight. WWI and WWII are just two examples of this.
In his philosophy, Tolstoy's seems to border somewhere between Kantian Moralism and Virtue Ethics. Virtue Ethics because he seems to imply that because a moral law implies a moral lawgiver (God), law and obligation are irrelevant in modern secular society. As such Kant's formulation of universalisability seems to apply but are founded in the dictates of the Christian God. The idea of Tolstoy following the first Categorical Imperative is further re-enforced in his book "Youth" where the protagonist, semi-autobiographical, argues that he is striving for morality though his faculties of reason. Kant believed that morality is the objective law of reason. Interestingly enough, however, Tolstoy criticized Kantian Moralism.
In short, drawing from his other works, though his philosophy has striking similarities to other philosophies, Tolstoy's moralism is somewhat of a contradiction and is probably best left in a category of it's own. This work is a great one not only for it's historical significance and influences but also for its thought provoking characteristics.
Remarking on military strategy, the Russian empire was, and still is, far too large for efficient central rule and they were spread too thin lacking resources to properly manage their lands. For 100's of years the country has failed to see the virtues of less centralized management in favor of more independent self-governance fro a delegation of responsibilities. As such, similarly to China, the country has suffered with difficulties of mobilizing and supporting their military in any long term conflict. But where they have strength is in their numbers. They've had a tendency to over-use this to their advantage throwing their soldiers at the enemy with little consideration given to the life of the soldier.
I appreciate Tolstoy for his important influences for non-violent protests that worked rather successfully for Gandhi. I cannot, however, in good consciousness support pacifism in all circumstances. When a population is oppressed by an authority but are not being systematically murdered, this type of protest can be really effective. On the other hand, Tolstoy's pacifism is too naive for the more aggressive of enemies. When a country is being invaded or a people are being killed, one doesn't simply surrender to slaughter and oppression. There are good reasons to fight and engage in war. Defending the lives and quality of life for those people of whom cannot defend themselves, is a good reason to fight. WWI and WWII are just two examples of this.
In his philosophy, Tolstoy's seems to border somewhere between Kantian Moralism and Virtue Ethics. Virtue Ethics because he seems to imply that because a moral law implies a moral lawgiver (God), law and obligation are irrelevant in modern secular society. As such Kant's formulation of universalisability seems to apply but are founded in the dictates of the Christian God. The idea of Tolstoy following the first Categorical Imperative is further re-enforced in his book "Youth" where the protagonist, semi-autobiographical, argues that he is striving for morality though his faculties of reason. Kant believed that morality is the objective law of reason. Interestingly enough, however, Tolstoy criticized Kantian Moralism.
In short, drawing from his other works, though his philosophy has striking similarities to other philosophies, Tolstoy's moralism is somewhat of a contradiction and is probably best left in a category of it's own. This work is a great one not only for it's historical significance and influences but also for its thought provoking characteristics.
March 20, 2011
This is Tolstoy's diatribe against war, and in it he makes some important points, while also making some mistakes and certainly misusing Jesus to garner his opinions. War is evil and horrific, and this Tolstoy points out, none to our surprise. I like his emphasis on independent thinking that rises above the propaganda of one's nation or peers. I like how he pointed out the unsubstantial arguments governments use to persuade people to support or volunteer for war. These are things which every citizen should always be aware of. I do not believe that governments should have the power to compel their subjects to fight, and for many reasons Tolstoy brought against war altogether, I would, rather, insist upon a volunteer military. If a country's people won't fight for their country voluntarily, either the basis for war is in this case unjustified and the government has not been able to persuade (or hoodwink) its people into going, or, if the war is one of true national self-defense, then the people who will not fight have earned the ensuing subjection to their invaders.
But Tolstoy's total pacifism is naive. Just war theory has long been discussed, but Tolstoy does not believe in just war at all. The world, I believe, is more complex than he acknowledges. There are times in which abstaining from war would result in worse evil than engaging in war. Worst of all, though, is Tolstoy's misuse of Christian religion as the ultimate reason not to go to war. Tolstoy actually makes a common mistake: that of applying individual imperatives to the civil government. For example, the command not to seek revenge, or the greatest command, to love, and even to love one's enemies. God does call people to love everyone and to refrain from vengeance. But the government is not under such laws. The government can, and should, seek revenge. In such a case it's called justice. God calls civil government "an avenger" which is to carry out wrath on wrongdoers. Tolstoy is ignorant of Christianity (at times mocking real Christianity), which is fine, but he should then not try to use it to bolster his opinions. He champions religion, but "not that religion which consists of belief in dogmas," but religion which "establishes the relation of man to the All, to God." He does not seem to realize that the only religion which succeeds in doing the latter is a religion which does the former, so long as the dogmas be the right ones.
An interesting read with some ideas to heed carefully, but with a naive conclusion and a hijacking of Christianity for the sake of ideology.
But Tolstoy's total pacifism is naive. Just war theory has long been discussed, but Tolstoy does not believe in just war at all. The world, I believe, is more complex than he acknowledges. There are times in which abstaining from war would result in worse evil than engaging in war. Worst of all, though, is Tolstoy's misuse of Christian religion as the ultimate reason not to go to war. Tolstoy actually makes a common mistake: that of applying individual imperatives to the civil government. For example, the command not to seek revenge, or the greatest command, to love, and even to love one's enemies. God does call people to love everyone and to refrain from vengeance. But the government is not under such laws. The government can, and should, seek revenge. In such a case it's called justice. God calls civil government "an avenger" which is to carry out wrath on wrongdoers. Tolstoy is ignorant of Christianity (at times mocking real Christianity), which is fine, but he should then not try to use it to bolster his opinions. He champions religion, but "not that religion which consists of belief in dogmas," but religion which "establishes the relation of man to the All, to God." He does not seem to realize that the only religion which succeeds in doing the latter is a religion which does the former, so long as the dogmas be the right ones.
An interesting read with some ideas to heed carefully, but with a naive conclusion and a hijacking of Christianity for the sake of ideology.
December 5, 2011
Hmm...This book got me thinking, I suppose you can say I've Bethink myself. I agreed with a good bit, I myself could never be a part of the military and think most wars in history were unjust and yet I still cannot go as far as he does. Sometimes one is stuck between two evils and must choose the lessor. If I have a family and an axe murderer comes in to kill my family and I have the ability to stop him, my not doing it would make me responsible for the death of my family. So though it may be wrong to kill or injure the perpetrator, it would be more evil to allow him to kill innocent relations. Could it be the same on a national scale? I am not completely sure, but If no one stood against Hitler, would we all be speaking German right now? I just think its more complex the Tolstoy will let on.
One thing I did take issue with, was Tolstoy in writing about how Christians are to follow Christ teaching to love our enemies, said we do this by not giving them absurd superstitions about the fall, redemption and the resurrection, but rather, by showing justice, kindness, etc... Tolstoy considered himself a Christian and is writing this to Christians and is basing his anti-war diatribe upon the teachings of Christ and then in the same book, calls the essence of the gospel absurd superstitions. This just seems a bit odd.
One thing I did take issue with, was Tolstoy in writing about how Christians are to follow Christ teaching to love our enemies, said we do this by not giving them absurd superstitions about the fall, redemption and the resurrection, but rather, by showing justice, kindness, etc... Tolstoy considered himself a Christian and is writing this to Christians and is basing his anti-war diatribe upon the teachings of Christ and then in the same book, calls the essence of the gospel absurd superstitions. This just seems a bit odd.
February 25, 2016
Read this as a primary source for a presentation I had to give in one of my graduate classes. Very interesting and highly thought-provoking, although it was written in 1904 a lot of what Tolstoy had to say still rings true today.
October 12, 2015
A book every terrorist/soldier/leader should read. All the religions teach only one thing "Love and respect all the living beings equally" ,If this one rule is followed there would be no war. If Adam & Eve were the first human beings on earth then all of us have same Mom & Dad. I wish there wasn't any power(God/religion/caste/color) that separates us.
In one word to sum up what the book teaches is "PEACE."
In one word to sum up what the book teaches is "PEACE."
September 25, 2012
It is really good! The first Tolstoy's non-fiction book I read. He made many important points against wars. What I don't like is that he said that religious consciousness is key to see why wars are bad. I think that it is not necessary someone to be religious or to be a member of a religion to see killing or torturing others on whatsoever ground is bad.
February 16, 2014
This book is a crusade against the blood lust and the joy to kill out of arrogance and out of selfishness. It, the book, reveals to what extent the author, Tolstoy, is an immaculate man. He can't sting others because he knows that God has sent him to this life to help others and give them a hand instead of killing them.
I love you Tolstoy, High five to your pure soul. :)
I love you Tolstoy, High five to your pure soul. :)
August 26, 2016
While Tolstoy's reasoning for why war is immoral is essentially completely based on Christian teaching, overall I agree with his sentiments. It may oversimplify things about to be as pacifistic as he calls for, but it would be a better world we live in if all people were as disgusted by violence with the same vehemence as Tolstoy.
July 2, 2013
Although I used to have disagreements with many people who argued against war, Tolstoy made me view it quite differently an changed my opinion on much of how I see it. This was a pretty good work done by Tolstoy.
July 11, 2021
Accessible Tolstoy. So much beauty to be found in Russian literature, this was a short gem.
February 28, 2021
Bethink yourself. By Leo Tolstoy
This short book is a sincere cry against war abd the calamities it brings along against humanity and civilization. Tolstoy stands still against killing a fellow human for thrivial excuses such as nationalism.
The title "Bethink yourself" is quoted from the sayings of Jesus Christ according to the Gospels.
____________________
and if you do not bethink yourselves you will all perish (Luke xiii. 5).
____________________
Here isthe central part of the book:
Jesus said, "Bethink yourselves"--i.e. "Let every man interrupt the work he has begun and ask himself: Who am I? From whence have I appeared, and in what consists my destiny? And having answered these questions, according to the answer decide whether that which thou doest is in conformity with thy destiny."
In short, regardless of what officials say, Tolstoy believes that war is against all the sincere preachings of religions.
This short book is a sincere cry against war abd the calamities it brings along against humanity and civilization. Tolstoy stands still against killing a fellow human for thrivial excuses such as nationalism.
The title "Bethink yourself" is quoted from the sayings of Jesus Christ according to the Gospels.
____________________
and if you do not bethink yourselves you will all perish (Luke xiii. 5).
____________________
Here isthe central part of the book:
Jesus said, "Bethink yourselves"--i.e. "Let every man interrupt the work he has begun and ask himself: Who am I? From whence have I appeared, and in what consists my destiny? And having answered these questions, according to the answer decide whether that which thou doest is in conformity with thy destiny."
In short, regardless of what officials say, Tolstoy believes that war is against all the sincere preachings of religions.
November 6, 2024
Апология христианского пацифизма на примере русско-японской войны. Толстой считает, что руководствоваться одним лишь благом для себя и своего государства недопустимо. А насилие противоречит любви к ближнему своему, которую проповедовал Христос.
Остаётся не вполне понятным, куда денется насилие и стремление к завоеваниям из мира вокруг, даже если люди в отдельно взятой стране вдруг полностью откажутся от них.
Также в одном месте Толстой называет такие вещи, как отечество, вера, присяга, честь, цивилизация, – чем-то "отвлечённым и неопределённым". Неясно тогда, по какому критерию учение Христа, или "душа" - нечто менее отвлечённое.
Хотелось отыскать мысли, актуальные для описания нынешнего состояния российского общества, и отчасти удалось. Но в общем и целом, текст совсем о другом.
Остаётся не вполне понятным, куда денется насилие и стремление к завоеваниям из мира вокруг, даже если люди в отдельно взятой стране вдруг полностью откажутся от них.
Также в одном месте Толстой называет такие вещи, как отечество, вера, присяга, честь, цивилизация, – чем-то "отвлечённым и неопределённым". Неясно тогда, по какому критерию учение Христа, или "душа" - нечто менее отвлечённое.
Хотелось отыскать мысли, актуальные для описания нынешнего состояния российского общества, и отчасти удалось. Но в общем и целом, текст совсем о другом.
August 13, 2012
I really like how Tolstoy started off this book. He had very good arguments against war and the hypocrisy of what politicians, soldiers and journalists say in driving a society towards a war. Tolstoy took an extreme stance that war is unjust because god says so, he could have taken the subject much deeper, but in my opinion is blinded by his own biases, especially that of religion.
July 4, 2015
Amazing! I love reading Tolstoy. He will always be one of my favorites.
February 14, 2019
Gripping Narrative, Explaining The Cruelties Of War And Destruction That We Humans Do To Each Other And To Our Planet Earth, And All Creatures, In The Name Of Religion, Land, WEalth, Power, And Greed! Leo Tolstoy Ignites Our Conscience And Make Us Ponder About The Ultimate Futility Of All These Wars And Power Games! Nations Have Destroyed Each Other Since Ages And There Is No Love And Compassion Amongst Us! We Need To Stop And Change Our Attitude Before It Is Too Late. We Are All Children Of God, And Love Is The Only True Religion! Power And Tyranny Have No Place In God's Religion. Any Dogma That Teaches Hatred And Intolerance Is False And Is The Work Of Satan. This Book Has Relevance Even In Our Modern Times!
October 27, 2018
I like this, I listen to it on librivox, I didn't really read it because I don't own it but having said that I think my reaction would still be the same. I mostly think some things need to be read to have a full understanding ie. Emerson or Plato but not so much for this one, maybe because of the similarity of my thoughts and this book. Tolstoy a God fearing man doesn't understand the thoughts of why either a Christian or a Buddhist, both peace of loving beliefs, would choose to go to war, clearly against their core beliefs. Tolstoy is trying to reason why and trying to reason against, it is a timeless apology and will always be well worth anyone's time.
November 22, 2024
War and consciousness and christianity. Tolstoy was throughout his life a detached observer of our species. In the end he detached himself whole; upped and left in the middle of the night, after 82 years observed. Only could the biting freeze of solitude console his soul. I cannot remember the book he brought with him.
In January 1910, the year of his death, he wrote in his diary:
“Very sad. Those around me are very alien. I thought about my relations with the people of our world, irreligious people. They’re like my relations with animals. I can love them and pity them, but can’t enter into spiritual intercourse with them. […]”
In January 1910, the year of his death, he wrote in his diary:
“Very sad. Those around me are very alien. I thought about my relations with the people of our world, irreligious people. They’re like my relations with animals. I can love them and pity them, but can’t enter into spiritual intercourse with them. […]”
February 9, 2018
Oh right, I read this last year, totally forgot. Been some time.
Tolstoy came off as very naive here and there. Heavily criticized the war Russo-Japanese War, and how it was utterly pointless; I guess the message is admirable: Bething Yourself. We all should bethink ourselves more often, but not for some of the reasons stated in the book—which I only bother to remember in the abstract sensation I felt upon reading them. Would still recommend for the perspective and insights of a bystander to war and torment.
Tolstoy came off as very naive here and there. Heavily criticized the war Russo-Japanese War, and how it was utterly pointless; I guess the message is admirable: Bething Yourself. We all should bethink ourselves more often, but not for some of the reasons stated in the book—which I only bother to remember in the abstract sensation I felt upon reading them. Would still recommend for the perspective and insights of a bystander to war and torment.
January 26, 2019
Though I am not a believer in God but the way Tolstoy shows the futility of War by reference to the most important teaching of all religions that one should not take another human life and treat others the way one wants to be treated is utmost rational and sensible. He invites everyone to think of their own purpose in life and that purpose can certainly not be to go to a mindless war and get blood on your hands. Really liked it for its sensible teaching.
January 17, 2021
Should have researched more...I didn't expect it to be all about war. Still some fragments are correlated with Christian religion.
He incites us to bethink ourselves, to realise the futility of war. Tolstoy invites us to answer questions such as Who I am? Why am I sent to this earth? What am I pursuing in this world? Is it in accordance to the will of God?
He insists on one law: that is to treat your neighbour the same way you want to be treated.
He incites us to bethink ourselves, to realise the futility of war. Tolstoy invites us to answer questions such as Who I am? Why am I sent to this earth? What am I pursuing in this world? Is it in accordance to the will of God?
He insists on one law: that is to treat your neighbour the same way you want to be treated.
April 21, 2023
Masterful statement of unassailable position
This author's mastery of the use of language to transmit truth shines powerfully through this translation. The logic of his position is unassailable, and falls short only in an understanding of the role of the holy spirit in true conversion.
This author's mastery of the use of language to transmit truth shines powerfully through this translation. The logic of his position is unassailable, and falls short only in an understanding of the role of the holy spirit in true conversion.
January 30, 2021
Solid writing which is as relevant to today's society as it was in Tolstoy's day. Perhaps that's because the postulated premise of God's Law is inerrant and infallible; the human heart is that which can, and must change: Bethink Yourselves!
April 27, 2021
Short, thought-provoking and powerful. Emphasis on personal moral achievement and growth as opposed to trying to change larger society, indicating this is the most powerful way to spark change in others and thus, greater society.
January 25, 2022
Читать непросто, много цитат, сложный стиль публицистики Толстого. Но когда продираешься сквозь дебри слов, то ужасаешься, как же это актуально.
Все уже было, и повторяется, но не как комедия, а как ужасы.
Все уже было, и повторяется, но не как комедия, а как ужасы.
December 26, 2017
Finish it as #AudioBook .
Deep book search in human believe and think.
Deep book search in human believe and think.
February 6, 2019
It's full of precious teachings.
May 9, 2024
Tolstoy's honesty always amazes me
January 14, 2025
Very nice :) betink Bourself
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews