Leo Tolstoy and the revolution: religious philosophy with a nihilist lining

In this article, the author investigates Leo Tolstoy’s journalistic activities and philosophical views in light of the centennial of the Revolution of 1917. Te essay focuses on Tolstoy’s pseudo-religious philosophy of “non-violence”, its formation, influence on pre-revolutionary society, and its role in the revolutionary movement. Te outwardly religious ethical teaching on “non-resistance to evil”, with its biter criticism of the state and the Church, disseminated social discontent under the guise of propagating truly Christian moral values. Owing to Tolstoy’s great authority as an outstanding writer, his teachings markedly promoted the growth of nihilistic tendencies in Russian society on the eve of the Revolution of 1905, and played an important role in the creation of an ideological atmosphere that prepared the tragic events of 1917.