(352 words) The work of Leo Tolstoy covers a wide range of insoluble issues of human life. But a special place in the work of the thinker is occupied by the search for the meaning of human life. Why are we born and die? The writer was constantly looking for the answer to this question.
In his famous novels, Tolstoy each time depicts the path from a hectic search for the cherished goal of human existence, to awareness and gaining peace of mind. So, “War and Peace” tells us about Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. Two representatives of the privileged nobility could live a calm, measured life. But, not wanting to put up with the shortcomings of society, they plunge headlong into the cycle of events in order to achieve a cherished understanding. Bolkonsky goes to war to gain military glory, comparing himself with Napoleon. Having been seriously wounded on the battlefield, the prince, having crossed the line of life and death, realizes the pettiness of his ambitions, the meaninglessness of human squabbles in the face of the universe, and his idol appears before him as an ordinary, low, full person. After the war, the hero helps in the development of Speransky's reforms, hoping to radically change Russia. But once, imagining how the project he created could be implemented using the example of a man he knew, Andrei realized that he was doing an unnecessary business, doomed to failure. He never found his place, but having given his life, defending his homeland, he resigned himself to the inevitability of death, reconciled with all his mistakes, disappointments and everyone who had ever hurt him, and left this world with a light heart.
A similar path goes and Pierre Bezukhov. Unsuccessful marriage, Freemasonry, an attempt to kill Napoleon lead him prisoner, where he meets Platon Krataev. All the questions so long cherished by Pierre are smashed in an instant before the ordinary everyday wisdom of a simple soldier. Karataev’s life is filled with kindness, simplicity and stoicism. Over and over again taking the blows of fate, Plato does not fall into despair and does not grow stale in his soul, continuing to treat everyone around him with love, not excluding enemies. However, at the same time, the hero understands that man is just a sliver in the ocean, he is not allowed to change the world, gain power over fate, and therefore it is necessary to put up with it and live a life filled with kindness and happiness in order to leave the world with a pure soul different.
For Tolstoy, God is love, loving and being loved, a person is reunited with God, gaining eternal bliss and eternal life.
