Art begins when a man, with a purpose of communicating to other people a feeling he once experienced, calls it up again within himself and expresses it by certain external signs.
Leo TolstoyRead
In all human sorrow nothing gives comfort but love and faith, and that in the sight of Christ's compassion for us no sorrow is trifiling.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True comfort in sorrow comes only from love and faith, especially in light of Christ's compassion.
Tolstoy emphasizes that in moments of deep human sorrow, the only sources of true comfort are love and faith. He suggests that when we reflect on the compassion that Christ has for humanity, we realize that no sorrow is insignificant or trifling, as every heartache is worthy of compassion and understanding.
Themes
LoveFaithSorrowComfortCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a memorial service to emphasize the importance of love and faith in times of grief.
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Music is the shorthand of emotion. Emotions, which let themselves be described in words with such difficulty, are directly conveyed to man in music, and in that is its power and significance.
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A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.
Leo TolstoyRead
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