Looking for inspirational Leo Tolstoy quotes? Then you've come to the right place! Lev Nikolayevich Count Tolstoy, as his real name was, is still one of the most important intellectuals in literary history. His views and values make him a role model for all generations.
I would now like to give you the most important sayings and words of wisdom from the Russian writer.
My please: Keep in mind that many of Tolstoy's quotes have been translated. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them and feel free to leave a corrective comment. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!
31 Leo Tolstoy Quotes And Wisdoms
Personally, I find his sayings so inspiring, especially because many of them relate to topics that are important for natural change and sustainable life are of great importance. Below I list the most important words of wisdom from Tolstoy. Let's go!
Leo Tolstoy quotes 1 - 10
- "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
- "People would rather go down before changing their habits."
- "If you look for perfection, you'll never be content."
- "A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And to act so is immoral."
- "Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it."
- "In the heart of a man rests the beginning and end of all things."f
- "There is only one time that is important – NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time hat we have any power."
- "Some people go through the forest seeing nothing else but firewood."
- "Each person’s task in life is to become an increasingly better person."
- "To sin is a human business, to justify sins is a devilish business."
Tip: If you want to know, Why we humans find change so difficultthen feel free to read the linked article.
Leo Tolstoy Quotes 11 - 20
- "One may chop wood, make bricks, forge iron without love, but one can no more deal with people without love than one can handle bees without care."
- "Read less, study less, but think more."
- "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
- "When you are free you don't have such a painful desire to read as you have in prison."
- "The more he did nothing, the less time he had to do anything."
- "Love is the only way to rescue humanity from all ills."
- "Man can settle better in a small cottage than in a huge castle."
- "If you want to learn to tell the truth to others, you have to learn to tell it yourself."
- "Eating meat is a leftover of the greatest brutality; the transition to vegetarianism is the first and most natural consequence of enlightenment."
- "Faith is the sense of life, that sense by virtue of which man does not destroy himself, but continues to live on. It is the force whereby we live."
Leo Tolstoy Quotes 21 - 31
- "All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow."
- "Seize the moments of happiness, love and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly."
- "Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the company of intelligent women."
- "It's always the simplest ideas that have extraordinary success."
- "Rejoice! Be joyful! The purpose of life is joy. You should feel joyful for the sky, sun, grass, trees, animals and the people you meet."
- "Everything comes in time to him who knows how to wait . . . there is nothing stronger than these two: patience and time, they will do it all."
- "To love is blessing, to be loved is happiness."
- "There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth."
- "As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battleflields."
- "If you want to be happy, be."
- "The most precious thing in the world are relationships of kindness between people."
Can you think of any other sayings by Leo Tolstoy that are missing from this collection? Then feel free to write your suggestions in the comments.
Was Tolstoy a vegetarian?
At the age of 50, Leo Tolstoy became a vegetarian because he no longer wanted to participate in the murder of animals. He also declared that people had to give up eating meat if they wanted to develop morally.
Which of Leo Tolstoy's works are particularly famous?
Leo Tolstoy's best-known works are his historical novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina". These works are among the classics of the realistic novel and world literature.
To what extent was Leo Tolstoy socially engaged?
He not only campaigned for the welfare of animals, but also wrote reading books for schoolchildren, for example, in which he conveyed moral and social values. He also championed the simple life of farmers - partly because he saw happiness in "simple work" and not in possessions and wealth.
Be inspired by Leo Tolstoy and his wisdom
Tolstoy's quotes say more about the Russian writer's values than a thousand words. He was definitely a person who supported the weaker and who quickly realized that possessions and wealth do not make you happy.
I hope I could inspire you with this little collection.
Here I give you now some more further articles that fit in with Leo Tolstoy's values and can also promote your personal development:
- Cognitive dissonance - what is it actually?
- Does consumption make you happy?
- Stopping the deforestation of the rainforests - what everyone can do
- Why live vegan?
- Good deeds in everyday life
Do you have any questions or would you like to add more Leo Tolstoy quotes? Then just write me a comment.
Stay inspired,
PS.: Just take a look at the Quotes blog around. There you will also find, for example, the best Sayings about change.
