Quotes By Leo Tolstoy

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.

All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

What a joy it is to do a good deed! And this joy is strongest if no one knows that you have done it.

Mysterious language is not a sign of wisdom. The wiser a person is, the simpler the language he uses to express his thoughts.

Until they throw the money changers out of the temple of art, it will never be a real temple.

Religion and law try to escape from criticism, religion by saying that it is divine and law by showing that it is powerful.

Historians are like deaf people who go on answering questions that no one has asked them.

Everything comes in time to him who knows how to wait.

Patriotism in its simplest, clearest, and most indubitable meaning is nothing but an instrument for the attainment of the government's ambitious and mercenary aims, and a renunciation of human dignity, common sense, and conscience by the governed, and a slavish submission to those who hold power. That is what is really preached wherever patriotism is championed. Patriotism is slavery.

It's not so much that he can't fall in love, but he has not the weakness necessary.

Giving alms is only a virtuous deed when you give money that you yourself worked to get.

The most important knowledge is that which guides the way you lead your life.

The kinder and the more thoughtful a person is, the more kindness he can find in other people.

Which is worse? the wolf who cries before eating the lamb or the wolf who does not.

To sin is a human business, to justify sins is a devilish business.

Seize the moment of happiness... love and be loved.

What is important is not the quantity of your knowledge but its quality. You can know many things without knowing the most important.

Upon meeting, you're judged by your clothes, upon parting you're judged by your wits.

Error is the force that welds men together; truth is communicated to men only by deeds of truth.

Boredom: the desire for desires.