Leo Tolstoy: A Young Man’s Journey
Leo Tolstoy, one of the most influential figures in Russian literature, began his life as a young man with dreams and aspirations. Born on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, a rural estate in Tula Governorate, Russia, Leo was the fourth of five children to Count Nikolai Ilyich Tolstoy and Maria Nikolaevna Tolstaya.
Early Life and Education
As a child, Leo was educated at home by private tutors. He showed a keen interest in literature and philosophy from an early age. At the age of 18, he entered the University of Kazan to study law, but his interest in literature and philosophy soon overshadowed his academic pursuits. After a year, he left the university and traveled to St. Petersburg, where he spent time in the Russian capital’s vibrant cultural scene.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1844 | Leo joined the army and served in the Caucasus. |
| 1847 | Leo traveled to Europe, where he visited France, Switzerland, and Germany. |
| 1851 | Leo returned to Russia and began writing his first novel, “Childhood” (Detstvo). |
During his time in the army, Leo experienced the harsh realities of military life and the suffering of the common soldier. This experience would later influence his writing and his views on social justice. In 1847, he traveled to Europe, where he was exposed to the ideas of the French Revolution and the works of philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant. This exposure would shape his worldview and his approach to writing.
Writing and Personal Life
Upon his return to Russia in 1851, Leo began writing his first novel, “Childhood,” which was published in 1852. This novel, along with “Boyhood” (Vospitanie) and “Youth” (Sreda), collectively known as the “Childhood Trilogy,” chronicled his own early life and the development of his character. These works were well-received by critics and readers alike, and they helped establish Leo as a prominent writer.
In 1862, Leo married Sophia Andreyevna Behrs, a woman from a wealthy family. The couple had thirteen children, and their family life played a significant role in Leo’s personal and literary development. During this period, he also began writing his most famous novel, “War and Peace,” which was published in 1869. This epic work, set during the Napoleonic Wars, explores the complexities of human nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
Philosophical and Social Views
As Leo’s writing career progressed, he became increasingly interested in philosophy and social issues. He was deeply influenced by the ideas of the French socialist Charles Fourier and the Russian revolutionary Peter Kropotkin. In the late 1870s, Leo began to question the validity of his own beliefs and the institutions of society, including the church and the state.
In 1879, Leo converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church and became a follower of the Russian religious philosopher Vladimir Solovyov. He believed that the key to solving the problems of society was through the development of a moral and spiritual life. This belief led him to write “The Kingdom of God Is Within You,” a work that argues for the moral and spiritual transformation of individuals and society.
Leo’s later years were marked by a growing sense of alienation from the world and his own family. He became increasingly reclusive and focused on his spiritual and philosophical pursuits. In 1910, he died at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of profound and enduring works that continue to inspire readers around the world.
