Skip to main content

Faith Provides Life's Meaning

Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910) on the Philosophy of Life
What Gives Life Meaning?

Unable to find answers through scientific and philosophical inquiry, Tolstoy turns to biblical Christianity for the meaning of life. He thus accepts the Christian account of creation, purpose, and destiny of the world.

Faith Provides Life's Meaning 

The rational knowledge did not provide any meaning of life; this knowledge excluded life, while the meaning which, by all humanity, was ascribed to life was based on some despised, false knowledge. Tolstoy maintains that the rational knowledge in the person of the learned and the wise denied the meaning of life.

The philosophical inquiry of life's purpose thus does not fulfill Tolstoy. He states: "philosophical knowledge does not negate anything, but only answers that the question cannot be solved by it, that for philosophy, the solution remains insoluble."

Tolstoy found that no matter how, or where, one seeks the answer to the question: what is the meaning of life… that faith alone had an advantage over all the other mediums he explored. [Faith] had "this advantage that they introduced into each answer the relation of the finite to the infinite, which there could be no answer."

Tolstoy, inevitably recognizes "that all living humanity had a certain other irrational knowledge, faith, which made it possible to live." He asserts that "no matter what answers faith may give, its every answer gives to the finite existence of man the sense of the infinite--a sense which is not destroyed by suffering, privation, and death. Consequently in faith alone could we find the meaning and possibility of life."
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Alex Yarijanian: The Visionary Leader’s Manifesto

  Alex Yarijanian: The Visionary Leader’s Manifesto Lifestyle – A Man on a Mission .  Daily Routine & Habits: Alex’s day starts before the world catches up. By 5:00 AM, he’s already strategizing—balancing health, business, and innovation. His morning workout isn’t just physical—it’s a mental drill, sharpening his focus before diving into high-stakes negotiations. Over a protein-fueled breakfast, he absorbs the latest healthcare policy updates, market shifts, and innovation breakthroughs. Every hour is optimized: meetings with executives, mentoring emerging leaders, and securing multimillion-dollar healthcare deals. Evenings aren’t downtime; they’re an opportunity. Whether refining a new healthcare model , coaching a CEO on value-based contracting , or speaking on a national stage , every move is made with precision. Momentum is everything. Presence & Style: Alex doesn’t just enter a room—he commands it. His presence is a calculated blend of charisma, intellect, and a...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Brain

The Thalamus and Basal Telencephalon of The Cat.
1 comment
Read more

Letter to Sensei,

[the following is an experience I shared at the July 2011 World Peace Prayer Meeting--also know as Kosen-Rufu Gongyo--on July 3rd 2011.] After sharing the following with my fellow bodhisattvas, this letter was faxed immediately to President Daisaku Ikeda, my Mentor.    Happy birthday America, Happy birthday Lady Liberty The land of the free The land of the many I’m so fortunate to have my karmic manifestations result in my propagating the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day of the Law in America. I am essentially here to share with you the experiences I’ve encountered through practicing Nichiren Buddhism. The tremendous fortune, the tremendous benefits, both conspicuous and inconspicuous, have been so immense that not sharing these with you would be counterproductive to my role as a Bodhisattva. July 3 rd 2011 Sensei, The Pacific Ocean stands between you and I, nonetheless we are working side-by-side to fulfill one mission: to relive all sentient beings from the sufferings o...
Post a Comment
Read more