What Men Live By

Historical Context and Significance

Leo Tolstoy's story «What Men Live By» was written in 1885 and is part of a cycle of works created during his period of spiritual exploration and focus on religious and moral themes. In this work, Tolstoy explores questions of human nature, compassion, and love, addressing simple yet profound truths about life and human relationships. The story has a significant cultural impact as it emphasizes the importance of moral values and human kindness, making it relevant even in the modern world. Tolstoy uses a simple yet expressive parable form to convey his philosophical ideas to the reader, making the work accessible and understandable to a wide audience. «What Men Live By» continues to inspire readers to reflect on the meaning of life and true values, remaining an important part of the world literary tradition.