“Everyone asks what is to be done with others, but nobody asks what is to be done with me myself?”

This collection brings together the most influential and thought-provoking essays by Leo Tolstoy. Offering timeless reflections on morality, spirituality, social justice, art, and personal transformation, these essays delve into Tolstoy’s exploration of the human condition and his passionate advocacy for peace and reform.

The essays included here are:

What is Art?: Tolstoy argues that the essence of art lies in its ability to convey emotional truth and rejects elitism and aestheticism in favour of emotional sincerity.

The Kingdom of God is Within You: A powerful treatise on faith, morality and the futility of violence in which Tolstoy envisions a society transformed not by force, but by individuals acting according to their consciences.

A Confession: A raw and personal account of Tolstoy’s spiritual crisis and search for meaning.

The Inevitable Revolution: A bold critique of institutional power and a call for ethical reform and the rejection of violence in any form.

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. He is best known for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, both celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of moral dilemmas and human nature. In his later years, Tolstoy experienced a spiritual awakening which led him to reject materialism and embrace a life of simplicity, seeking to align his life with his beliefs about non-violence and compassion. Tolstoy's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on literature and philosophy.

This audiobook is fully indexed. Once downloaded, each book and chapter will be listed so you can easily navigate to the individual sections.