“Faith is the sense of life, that sense by virtue of which man does not destroy himself, but continues to live on. It is the force whereby we live.”
- September 9, 1828 – November 20, 1910
- Born in Russia
- Writer, philosopher
- Wrote masterpieces such as “War and Peace,” “Anna Karenina,” and “Ivan the Fool,” and had a major impact not only on literature but also on politics and society.
table of contents
Quote
“Faith is the sense of life, that sense by virtue of which man does not destroy himself, but continues to live on. It is the force whereby we live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leo Tolstoy defines faith as the essential driving force that enables humans to endure and find meaning in life, even in the face of adversity. He suggests that faith is what prevents despair and gives people the strength to continue living, even when confronted with suffering, hardship, or the uncertainty of existence. Tolstoy views faith not merely as religious belief, but as a deeper sense of purpose and meaning that gives life direction and significance. For him, faith is the underlying force that helps people persevere, enabling them to find hope and motivation, even in the most difficult circumstances.
This idea remains highly relevant today, as many people grapple with existential questions and struggles in the modern world. Whether it’s through religious faith, personal convictions, or a sense of community, faith plays a crucial role in helping individuals cope with the complexities and challenges of life. For instance, in moments of personal crisis or societal upheaval, faith provides the spiritual resilience needed to continue forward, to rebuild, and to find purpose. Faith, in this sense, serves as the internal compass that guides people through life’s uncertainties, offering them the strength to endure.
Tolstoy’s own life underwent a dramatic spiritual transformation, which is reflected in his later works. After a period of deep personal turmoil, Tolstoy turned to Christianity for guidance, adopting a moral and spiritual framework based on love, simplicity, and compassion. This quote echoes his personal conviction that faith, in its broadest sense, is the foundation of human endurance and that it transcends any specific religious doctrine. His belief in faith as the force of life guided much of his moral philosophy, which emphasized that a life grounded in faith—whether religious or not—provides the strength necessary to face the trials of existence.
