Nikolsky S.A. Lev Tolstoy: a Russian view of the world and man in it

Abstract: The subject of the article is to analyze the anthropological theme in the works of Russian writer Lev Tolstoy and give a characteristic of the Russian view of the world. Lev Tolstoy’s works give a researcher a unique opportunity to have an idea about Russian worldview. An artist of genius, tireless worker and searcher for the meaning of life, the count-mouzhik left to future generations innumerable richness of observations, thoughts, artistic topics and images. Due to their depth and versatility they have long become and continue to be a subject of philosophical analysis. The article discusses a number of important meanings and values of Russian worldview that Tolstoy examined. First of all, in is the meaning (to be more precise – search for the meaning) of that which crowns human life. The theme of death and Russian people attitude to it was studied by the writer throughout his whole creative life. The author uses the method of hermeneutic analysis of the Russian writer’s texts. Secular and theological thought referring to evaluation of the fear of death has been compared. The article’s novelty is in looking for that which can oppose death. Having discovered for himself that the fear of death can be overcome through love as the fullest manifestation of God, Tolstoy turned to its analysis and then to consideration of the other side of this human feeling, devoting a number of great philosophical and artistic works to examination of passion. Sin and repentance, crime and punishment in human and social life, moral and legal justice are another worldview component of Tolstoy’s creative work. The thinker’s creative search has not been completed. But the very process is that most valuable heritage that he left to the reflecting descendants.

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