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Leo Tolstoy: Father of Anarcho-pacifism

Born on September 9, 1828, in the Russian Empire, Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, commonly known as Leo Tolstoy, made substantial contributions to the world literature, philosophy, and political thought. He achieved worldwide fame through his epic novels like War and Peace and Anna Karenina. A stout pacifist, Tolstoy propagated the notions of non-resistance to violence, simple living and asceticism. His political philosophy, which was eventually termed as Christian Anarchism, had a profound influence on leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Tolstoy died on November 20, 1910. His thoughts and writings continued to inspire generations of anarchists, philosophers, and writers around the world. His conception of anarchism, which diverged from the prevalent violent strategies of several contemporary anarchists, positioned non-resistance at the center. Tolstoy heavily criticized the state and the church institutions, advocating instead for a society where people adhere to the ethics of Christianity. His philosophical discourses like The Kingdom of God is within you and What I Believe disseminated his intense critique of the state, church, capitalism and the modern industrial society.

Date of Birth: 1828-09-09

Date of Death: 1910-11-20

Country of Birth: Russian Empire

Political Ideas: Non-resistance, Non-cooperation

Quotes Available: 13