Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910). The skill of this deep, multi-talented Russian author penetrated the deepest corners of the society of his era to enlighten those shadows and bring to light the spirit that enlightened his contemporaries. Tolstoy's soul underwent profound changes, but he could never withdraw himself more than partially from the environment and temptations around him. He opened a school in Yasnaia, which he later expanded, which was essentially free and admitted all kinds of pupils but predominantly, as was only natural, peasants. The teaching was absolutely free of charge, the pupils could come and go as they liked and were never subjected to any punishment, but the government closed the school after two years. Discouraged by this failure and more sick in mind than in body, he withdrew to the quiet and peaceful life of the steppe with the intention of...