Opinion //
Bethink yourselves! Why Tolstoy makes as much sense now, as he did a century ago.
Especially with yet more war on the rise.
Leo Tolstoy wrote “Bethink Yourselves!” in 1908, addressing the social and moral dilemmas of his time. He critiqued the use of violence and the starting of war. He wrote about how it was absurd that people who didn’t know each other should travel across half the world to kill each other. He wrote about how war goes against everything that we were and are taught, and that almost certainly, those who start wars are those who preach “peace” everyday, and those who suffer almost certainly come from poor innocent families, having been drafted into a cause they never felt for.
Well over a century later, his words continue to resonate strongly and hold profound relevance in today’s world.
One of the enduring aspects of Tolstoy’s essay is his emphasis on the importance of individual consciousness and moral awakening. He implores us to “bethink [ourselves]” and recognise the consequences of their actions on the broader society. This plea is still significant in an era marked by globalisation, interconnectedness, and increasing awareness of the impact of our choices on the planet and fellow human beings. Tolstoy’s call to introspection asks us to reflect on our values, question our motives, and consider the consequences of our decisions, urging us to lead more responsible and compassionate lives.
Tolstoy’s critique of materialism and the pursuit of wealth and power also strikes a chord in our contemporary society. Despite the advancements in technology and the abundance of material comforts, there remains a persistent dissatisfaction and a constant craving for more. Tolstoy challenges the prevailing mindset that equates happiness with material possessions and highlights the emptiness that accompanies a life solely focused on accumulating wealth. In an age of consumerism and the growing divide between the rich and the poor, Tolstoy’s message serves as a reminder that true fulfilment lies in simpler, more meaningful pursuits, such as fostering genuine human connections, seeking personal growth, and cultivating empathy. He also reminds us that to be happy, we should help others.
Another aspect of Tolstoy’s essay that remains relevant is his criticism of violence, warfare, and the futility of conflicts. He passionately denounces war as an abomination, recognising the immense suffering it inflicts upon humanity. In an era of endless conflict — even in Tolstoy’s home country of Russia and Ukraine — and one marked by ongoing regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and a seemingly endless cycle of violence, Tolstoy’s pacifist stance resonates deeply. He urges us to strive for peaceful resolutions, to reject the glorification of war, and to actively work towards creating a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy. Even truer is that most of the soldiers dying for Russia in Ukraine come from poor or lower-class families, who almost certainly are not involved in the decision for war. They die for the decisions of men who preach false hope and “peace”, and who do not themselves put themselves or their children in the war.
Tolstoy’s concern for the welfare of the marginalized and the destitute echoes loudly in our contemporary society. He criticizes the glaring social inequalities that persist and the indifference shown towards the suffering of the less fortunate. This sentiment aligns with the pressing need for social justice and equitable distribution of resources in today’s world. Tolstoy’s call to acknowledge our responsibility towards the vulnerable members of society, to alleviate their suffering, and to advocate for a more just and inclusive society is as relevant now as it was in his time. While we fight for equal rights for all, it is also time to rethink how we help those at society’s very bottom.
Tolstoy remains strikingly relevant in the present era — capturing universal truths and highlighting enduring moral and social concerns. His plea for self-reflection, rejection of materialism, condemnation of violence, and advocacy for social justice continue to resonate deeply with contemporary readers. As we confront the complexities and challenges of our time, Tolstoy’s wisdom serves as a guiding light, reminding us of our individual and collective responsibility to shape a more compassionate, just, and harmonious world.
