Picture description: Cropped version of Sergei Prokudin-Gorsky’s portrait of Leo Tolstoy.
Source: Журнал “Записки Русского технического общества”, №8, 1908. Стр. 369. URL: http://prokudin-gorsky.org/arcs.php?lang=ru&photos_id=818&type=1
Author: Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii (1863–1944)

🍀👨‍👩‍👧 “Spend quality time with family. Their presence is a blessing to be thankful for.” – Leo Tolstoy ❤️

Leo Tolstoy emphasizes the joy and importance of family. Today, take the opportunity to spend meaningful time with your loved ones. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply talking, cherish these moments of connection and love. Family provides a sense of belonging and support that enriches our lives in countless ways.

Let this time together fill your heart with gratitude for the unique bond you share. Embrace the laughter, warmth, and understanding that family brings, and celebrate the simple joy of being with those who matter most. 🌟👪💖

Leo Tolstoy, born Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time. He is best known for his epic novels “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” which provide profound insights into Russian society and the human condition.

Tolstoy was born into a noble family and received his early education at home before attending Kazan University. However, he left university without completing his studies and returned to his family estate. In the early years of his adult life, Tolstoy led a somewhat restless existence, participating in the Crimean War and traveling extensively throughout Europe.

His early works, including “Childhood,” “Boyhood,” and “Youth,” are semi-autobiographical and reflect his personal experiences and philosophical inquiries. However, it was his later works, particularly “War and Peace” (1869) and “Anna Karenina” (1877), that established his reputation as a literary genius. These novels are celebrated for their intricate plots, rich character development, and deep philosophical themes.

In the latter part of his life, Tolstoy experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He developed his own brand of Christian anarchism, advocating for nonviolent resistance and a simple, ascetic lifestyle. His writings from this period, such as “The Kingdom of God Is Within You,” influenced figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Tolstoy’s later years were marked by a turbulent relationship with his family due to his radical beliefs and lifestyle changes. He eventually left his home in search of a simpler life but fell ill and died on November 20, 1910, at the small railway station of Astapovo.

Tolstoy’s literary and philosophical contributions continue to resonate worldwide, offering timeless reflections on human nature, morality, and the quest for meaning.