Page:The life of Tolstoy.djvu/44

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THE LIFE OF TOLSTOY

"1. What you have decided to do, do in spite of everything.

"2. Whatever you do, do it well.

"3. Never consult a book for what you have forgotten, but try to remember it.

"4. Force always your brains to act to their utmost capacity.

"5. Read and think aloud.

"6. Do not hesitate to tell people if they hinder you. At first give them a hint; if they do not understand (that they hinder you), apologise and tell them so."

Further on he says:

"Society is a part of the universe. Reason must be brought into harmony with the universe—with the whole—so that by studying its laws one may become independent of society, as a part of it."

Here is his definition of the philosophy of that time:

"Man has desires; otherwise said, he is active. Towards what is his activity directed? By what means can this activity be made free? This is the aim of philosophy in its true sense. In other words, philosophy is the science of life."

In his novel, "Youth," Tolstoy places in the mouth of his hero words which undoubtedly re-