Tolstoy “What Is Art?”

“If a man is infected by the author’s condition of soul, if he feels this emotion and this union with others, then the object which has effected this is art; but if there be no such infection, if there be not this union with the author and with others who are moved by the same work – then it is not art. And not only is infection a sure sign of art, but the degree of infectiousness is also the sole measure of excellence in art”. (Tolsoy #28)

          Tolstoy proposes that the core of art is emotion, and the appeal and value of art depends on the following three points: 1) how unique the sentiment is; 2) how clear the relationship is; 3) How sincere is the artist?

Tolstoy explained: In three points, the most important thing is sincerity. Because everyone is a different individual, as long as the artist is sincere enough, it will be unique. At the same time, sincere artists only convey the feelings they have experienced personally, so they will be very clear. The clear expression will be understood and felt by the audience.

About the content of the work, Tolstoy holds a progressive view. He said: In every established historical period, in every given human society, there is a meaning to life that only the talents of this society may have. The lofty understanding of it determines the lofty happiness that this society strives for. This understanding of the meaning of life is the consciousness of religion in this period and in this society. As this religious consciousness is constantly advancing and developing, the quality of the work of this work should be assessed according to the degree to which it is close and reflected.

From this he concludes that the artist should be the person who has the highest and deeper understanding of the meaning of life in his time.

Tolstoy further pointed out that the religious consciousness of contemporary (referring to the era of Tolstoy’s life) lies in the world’s greatness, and all people are united in spirit and material. And true art naturally has the characteristics of uniting people – because art can touch people and create empathy between people.

For the above reasons: Tolstoy opposes multi-value, opposes individualism, opposes the powerful class, opposes the feudal tsar, opposes capitalism (and possibly against state organizations) and so on. In reality, he advocated the agricultural economy in the form of farm cooperatives, proposing that the landlord and the peasant were equal (but he did not give up the land ownership), and he himself worked with the tenant. Levin in “Anna Karenina” did the same (final no results).

Not only that: Tolstoy also opposes the Renaissance and believes that the Renaissance makes art a tool for the enjoyment of the rich. Its spiritual content is mainly pride, sensuality and boredom. Therefore, only the wealthy and talented people who are idle are interesting, and the poor are not only rejected. Outside the door of this art, we must also serve the rich to enjoy this art. This kind of art that cannot unite all human beings, but treat them differently, is not art at all.

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