Tolstoy's personal statement of his religious and philosophical beliefs, in which he renounces his former aristocratic lifestyle and embraces a simple, Christian life of pacifism, poverty, and service to others. Tolstoy argues that the true essence of Christianity is love and compassion for all beings, and that these values can only be realized through a rejection of violence, authority, and material wealth. He criticizes the established Church as corrupt and hypocritical, and calls on all individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual and moral growth. Tolstoy's ideas were highly influential in the development of Christian anarchism and non-violent resistance movements in the 20th century.
Translated by Constantine Popoff