The idea of beauty is the fundamental idea of everything. In the world we see only distortions of the fundamental idea, but art, by imagination, may lift itself to the height of this idea. Art is therefore akin to creation.
Leo TolstoyThe simplest and shortest ethical precept is to be served as little as possible . . . and to serve others as much as possible.
Leo TolstoyI must write each day without fail, not so much for the success of the work, as in order not to get out of my routine.
Leo TolstoyEvery work of art causes the receiver to enter into a certain kind of relationship both with him who produced the art, and with all those who, simultaneously, previously, or subsequently, receive the same artistic impression. Art is a human activity- that one man consciously by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that others are touched by these feelings and also experience them.
Leo Tolstoy