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
I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often resist accepting simple truths that contradict their established beliefs and teachings.
This quote by Leo Tolstoy emphasizes the human tendency to cling to complex ideas and beliefs, even in the face of obvious truths. It highlights how individuals can weave these beliefs into their lives, making it difficult for them to accept simpler, more truthful perspectives that may invalidate their proud assertions and teachings, thus showcasing the struggle between truth and ego.
Themes
TruthBeliefsKnowledgeEgoAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of truth.
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People try to do all sorts of clever and difficult things to improve life instead of doing the simplest, easiest thing-refusing to participate in activities that make life bad.
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It's too easy to criticize a man when he's out of favour, and to make him shoulder the blame for everybody else's mistakes.
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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.
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