Bethink Yourselves!

Leo Tolstoy

2022년 8월 · DigiCat

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In 'Bethink Yourselves!', a treatise infused with pacifist fervor, Leo Tolstoy employs his illustrious literary command to dissect the Russo-Japanese War's moral and social repercussions. More philosophical exhortation than historical record, this essay juxtaposes the dehumanization found within the mechanics of war with the spiritual illumination Tolstoy sees as essential to human progress. As in his fiction, Tolstoy's prose intertwines incisive analysis with impassioned moral imperatives, situating the work within both the context of his later religious and ethical writings and the broader discourse of early 20th-century antiwar literature. With precision and pathos, Tolstoy challenges the justifications of war, standing as a testament to his enduring commitment to nonviolence and ethical introspection. Leo Tolstoy, a literary giant not just of Russian letters but of the global literary landscape, was profoundly influenced by the existential malaise and social inequalities of his time. Written in the twilight of his life, 'Bethink Yourselves!' reflects Tolstoy's deepening spiritual and ethical concerns, which grew from his experiences with institutional injustices and his search for personal and societal reform. This polemic emerged from a man at his most philosophically resolute, wielding his pen against the societal ills he had long critiqued and actively resisting the pervasive militarism of his era. This essay is recommended for readers who seek to understand the intersection of literature and social consciousness, those intrigued by the ethical responsibilities of individuals within the sweep of history, and Tolstoy devotees who wish to experience the full range of his literary and philosophical reach. 'Bethink Yourselves!' does not merely narrate events but invites the reader into a rigorous self-examination, echoing its title's imperative as a call to moral awakening. In the current age of global conflicts, its message remains potent, resonant, and essential reading for the peace-minded and the historically curious alike.

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Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known as Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), was a towering figure in the world of Russian literature. Born into an aristocratic Russian family, Tolstoy's experiences in the Crimean War would profoundly affect his views on life and valiantly inform his writing, which often reflected his evolving ideologies, particularly his pacifism and Christian anarchism. Tolstoy is best known for his epic novels 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' which are considered pinnacles of realist fiction. However, Tolstoy's later works also revolved heavily around moral and religious themes. The treatise 'Bethink Yourselves!' is such a work, encapsulating his opposition to violence and war. Written in response to the atrocities of the Russo-Japanese War, it urges humanity to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, particularly the commandment to 'love thy neighbor,' which to Tolstoy's interpretation means a complete rejection of all violence. Tolstoy's literary style reflects his belief in nonviolent resistance, an ideology that would later influence figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. His extensive essays, ethical texts, and personal letters further testament to his profound influence on both literature and social thought. Tolstoy's exploration of moral issues regarding the individual's role in society is a recurring thread in his body of work, rendering him not merely a novelist but a philosopher and a moralist.