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source: wikipedia.org
09 Sep, 1828
20 Nov, 1910
Pneumonia
Russian
Religious thinker
82
Leo Tolstoy was born into a wealthy family in 1828 and experienced a privileged childhood. Tragically, he lost both of his parents by the age of nine and was raised by relatives, which significantly shaped his early life.
Tolstoy enrolled at the University of Kazan in 1844, initially studying Oriental languages before switching to law. However, he dropped out without completing his degree and returned to manage his estate, Yasnaya Polyana, where he educated himself in literature, philosophy, and ethics.
Tolstoy served in the army during the Crimean War, an experience that deeply influenced his literary works. His first notable works were the autobiographical trilogy: “Childhood,” “Boyhood,” and “Youth,” published between 1852 and 1856.
In 1862, Tolstoy married Sophia Andreevna Behrs, with whom he had 13 children. Despite their large family, their relationship was strained due to Tolstoy’s spiritual and moral beliefs, which often conflicted with his wife’s views.
Tolstoy’s most famous works, “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” are monumental novels that explore Russian society in the 19th century. “War and Peace” is set during the Napoleonic Wars, while “Anna Karenina” is a tragic tale of love and infidelity.
In addition to his major novels, Tolstoy wrote influential short stories, essays, and novellas such as “The Death of Ivan Ilyich,” “Resurrection,” and “Hadji Murad.” These works further cemented his status as one of the greatest literary figures of all time.
Later in life, Tolstoy rejected the Orthodox Church and embraced a form of Christian anarchism, focusing on the moral teachings of Jesus. His spiritual transformation led him to a life of simplicity and non-violence, greatly influencing his later works and actions.
Tolstoy’s radical beliefs brought him into conflict with the Russian authorities, the Orthodox Church, and even his own family. He renounced his wealth and advocated for a life of poverty, distancing himself from his aristocratic background.
At the age of 82, Tolstoy left his home to escape the growing tension with his wife. He passed away shortly afterward, leaving behind a rich literary and philosophical legacy that continues to influence readers and thinkers worldwide.
Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy
Male
Pneumonia
Yasnaya Polyana, Krapivensky Uyezd, Tula Governorate, Russian Empire
Astapovo, Ranenburgsky Uyezd, Ryazan Governorate, Russian Empire
Advocate: Leo Tolstoy was a deep and complex person who sought out the meaning in all aspects of life.
He wanted to live in poverty and declined all author’s rights to his books.
He was an avid gambled who gambled away a building on his estate. The entire building was taken apart and moved away.
Tolstoy had terrible handwriting.
Although he believed in God throughout his life, Tolstoy was vocal about his disagreements with certain principles of the Russian Orthodox church which resulted in him being excommunicated.
Tolstoy was awarded the Audie Award for Literary Fiction & Classics in 2023 for War and Peace.
He won the Griboyedov Prize in 1892.