Leo Tolstoy

Date of Birth: September 9, 1828

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 20, 1910

Biography

Leo Tolstoy, born Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, was a celebrated Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and philosopher, best known for his seminal novels “War and Peace” (1869) and “Anna Karenina” (1877). Born into an aristocratic family on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, Tolstoy’s early life was marked by the loss of his parents, leading him and his siblings to be raised by relatives. Despite a tumultuous academic career at Kazan University, Tolstoy found his calling in literature and embarked on a prolific writing career that would leave an indelible mark on world literature. Tolstoy’s works reflect his deep engagement with social, political, and spiritual themes. A champion of pacifism, he became a moral thinker and an advocate for nonviolent resistance, influencing figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. His later years were characterized by a dramatic conversion to a form of Christian anarchism, leading him to renounce his aristocratic lifestyle and wealth. Tolstoy’s legacy endures through his extensive literary output and his profound impact on both literature and philosophy.

5 Interesting Facts about Leo Tolstoy

1. Tolstoy founded a school for peasant children at his family estate, Yasnaya Polyana, where he implemented progressive educational methods.

2. “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina” are often cited as the pinnacle of realist fiction, exploring intricate human emotions and societal issues.

3. Tolstoy experienced a profound spiritual crisis in his 50s, leading him to adopt a lifestyle of asceticism and to write “A Confession” (1882), detailing his existential struggles.

4. He was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1901 due to his religious and philosophical writings, which criticized institutionalized religion.

5. Tolstoy’s influence extended beyond literature, inspiring social movements and figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, who adopted Tolstoy’s principles of nonviolent resistance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leo Tolstoy

1. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

2. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

3. “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

4. “If you want to be happy, be.”

5. “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Tolstoy’s net worth was substantial due to his aristocratic background and the success of his literary works. However, exact figures are difficult to ascertain due to his later rejection of wealth and material possessions.

Children

Leo Tolstoy had 13 children with his wife, Sophia Andreevna Behrs, of whom eight survived to adulthood. Their children were: 1. Sergey Lvovich Tolstoy 2. Tatiana Lvovna Sukhotina-Tolstaya 3. Ilya Lvovich Tolstoy 4. Lev Lvovich Tolstoy 5. Maria Lvovna Tolstaya 6. Peter Lvovich Tolstoy 7. Nikolai Lvovich Tolstoy 8. Alexandra Lvovna Tolstaya