When a man sees a dying animal, horror comes over him: that which he himself is, his essence, is obviously being annihilated before his eyes--is ceasing to be. But when the dying one is a person, and a beloved person, then, besides a sense of horror at the annihilation of life, there is a feeling of severance and a spiritual wound which, like a physical wound, sometimes kills and sometimes heals, but always hurts and fears any external, irritating touch.
Leo TolstoyThe recognition of the sanctity of the life of every man is the first and only basis of all morality.
Leo TolstoyArt is a microscope which the artist fixes on the secrets of his soul, and shows to people these secrets which are common to all.
Leo TolstoyEvery man had his personal habits, passions, and impulses toward goodness, beauty, and truth.
Leo TolstoySo long as people do not consider all men as their brothers and do not consider human life as the most sacred thing, which rather than destroy they must consider it their first and foremost duty to support; that is so long as people do not behave towards one another in a religious manner, they will always ruin one another's lives for the sake of personal gain.
Leo Tolstoy