“If there existed no external means for dimming their consciences, one-half of the men would at once shoot themselves, because to live contrary to one’s reason is a most intolerable state, and all men of our time are in such a state.”
- 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.
Quote
“If there existed no external means for dimming their consciences, one-half of the men would at once shoot themselves, because to live contrary to one’s reason is a most intolerable state, and all men of our time are in such a state.”
Explanation
In this provocative quote, Leo Tolstoy highlights the inner conflict faced by individuals living in a world where reason and conscience are often at odds with the demands of society. He suggests that the reason people do not fall into despair or take drastic actions—such as suicide—is that society provides external distractions or justifications that numb or “dim” their conscience. Living contrary to one’s reason—acting in ways that are not aligned with moral or logical beliefs—creates an intolerable state of cognitive dissonance, where the individual’s inner moral compass clashes with the expectations of the outside world. Tolstoy argues that most people today are in this moral conflict, living lives that do not reflect their true understanding of what is right, leading to discontent and alienation.
This insight remains particularly relevant in the modern world, where many individuals feel trapped in systems of societal pressure, materialism, and unfulfilled desires. People often struggle to align their personal values with the expectations of others—be it in their professional lives, social roles, or consumer behaviors. The disconnect between reason and action can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and even despair. This creates a situation where individuals might seek external distractions, such as entertainment, status, or wealth, to avoid confronting the inner conflict and the disconnect from their true values.
Tolstoy’s own life, especially in his later years, reflected his growing dissatisfaction with the moral contradictions in society. He sought a life of simplicity, moral integrity, and spiritual clarity, free from the distractions and false justifications of modern life. His works, such as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, urge readers to confront the tension between personal morality and societal expectations, and to seek alignment between thought, action, and conscience. The quote serves as a stark reminder of the inner toll that living a life at odds with one’s own reason and values can take, and calls for a return to true moral clarity.
