A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul

Chía, 11 de noviembre de 2018
Tolstoi, León
Calendario de la Sabiduría – Compilación
Traducción de Eduardo G. Murillo. Ediciones Martínez Roca, S. A. Barcelona, 1998.

León Tolstoi (1828-1910) is one of the great writers of all time. I have always wanted to "read a work" of his. Since I don't want to buy more books, I downloaded a free PDF of the "Calendario de la Sabiduría", which was written a couple of years before his death. I read the introduction and delved into the text of the book. To my surprise, it is not a novel of adventures or history, but rather daily reviews of ideas that he considered worthy and in which he cites renowned thinkers from antiquity to his present.

I didn't have much enthusiasm for literature during school, and perhaps the teaching of literature was not very good either in school or at home. I had no idea who the author of "War and Peace" or "Anna Karenina" was. Finding a book like this Calendario led me to Google to investigate who Tolstoi was. It was a huge surprise.

For more than 15 years, he compiled the thoughts of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Lao-Tsé, Buddha, Pascal, the New Testament, John Ruskin, Eastern Wisdom, and many others, and added his own. The idea is to open the possibility of daily communication with the wisest men in the world. After the Revolution, its publication was prohibited due to its religious content.

I find it interesting how, from his time, he considered:
• The importance of vegetarianism
• Not harming or hurting animals
• The earth belongs to everyone
• The union of man and woman for procreation. Relation with Dawkins and DNA.
• The universal intellect (and relation with the topics worked on by Juan David).
• …prefiguration of what the internet would be?

I have underlined in 3 colors. Yellow ones, which caught my attention and that I don't copy. Red ones, which are fundamental. I copy them all. And green ones, which define my lines of thought and action.

Here are the red ones:
Read the best books first, otherwise you will find that you don't have time later. Henry David Thoreau.6
You must embrace what the wisdom of humanity, your intellect, and your heart tell you: that the meaning of life is to serve the force that sent you into the world. Then, life becomes a constant joy. Tolstoi, 7.
Kind people help each other. Chinese Proverb. 7
Woe to you if you destroy the unity of the people, inciting some against others with your words. Tolstoi, 8
If you lose your stirrups, count to ten before saying or doing something. Thomas Jefferson. 9
A constant flow of thoughts expressed by other people can paralyze your thoughts and your initiative... Therefore, constant learning softens the brain... Schopenhauer, 9
Approach those who blame you and move away from those who praise you. The Talmud. 11
Love is not a source, it is a consequence of understanding the divine spiritual principle that exists in all of us. Tolstoi, 12
False faith is the main cause of almost all our misfortunes. Tolstoi, 13
Where do we go after death? We go to the place from where we came. There is nothing that can be called us in that territory. Therefore, we don't remember what happened to us there. Tolstoi, 13
Don't let your mistakes shame you. Nothing can teach us more than understanding them. It is one of the best methods of self-education. Thomas Carlyle, 14.
A rich man cannot be merciful. Tolstoi, 16
Just as a mother risks her life to protect and save her only child, each person should protect and keep love in their heart for all living beings. Tolstoi, 17
A man condemned to be executed immediately will not think about accumulating more property, or achieving glory, or the victory of one group over another, or the discovery of a new planet. A minute before his death, such a man may want to console a mistreated person, help an old man get up, bandage someone's wound, or repair a child's toy. Tolstoy, 20
All events, both those that occur in the lives of individuals and in human societies, have their origin in thought. Therefore, to fully understand others and other societies, we must analyze the thoughts that gave rise to the events. Tolstoi, 21
War creates a situation in which, in the end, power and glory often end up in the hands of the most unworthy and depraved beings. Tolstoy, 22.
To be strong, one must be like water. Lao-Tse, 22
It is evident to everyone that, in the end, death awaits us. Nevertheless, we live as if death did not exist. Tolstoi, 23
God lives in each of us. When a person remembers this, that thought can save them from evil and help them do good. Tolstoi, 24
An invisible force guides your body, just as an invisible force guides the world. Marcus Tullius Cicero.25
If you want to serve God, you should work for the spiritual progress of humanity.26, Tolstoi
Perhaps it is written in some books that it is not a sin to kill an animal, but in our hearts it is written, more clearly than in any book, that we should have pity on animals, in the same way that we have pity on our fellow human beings. 27, Tolstoi
Speak only when your words are better than your silence. Arab Proverb.29
Without the exercise of the muscles, neither men nor animals can live. To make this exercise produce joy and satisfaction in you, carry out good physical work. It is the best way to serve others. Tolstoi, 33
The union of a man and a woman to ensure the continuity of humanity. Tolstoi, 35
Be humble and oppose dissipation. If you use kind and gentle words, you will be able to guide an elephant by a hair. Muslih-ud-din Saadi.37
One of the main responsibilities of a person is to ensure that the spark of intellect received from heaven照亮 the world that surrounds them. Chinese Wisdom.36
A person who knows a lot also knows that there is much more that they don't know. Therefore, they only speak when necessary, and when they are not asked questions, they remain silent. Jean-Jacques Rousseau.37
Live in such a way that you have nothing to hide and do not wish to show off your life to others.39
Not life in general, but each hour of this life should be lived in the best way you know.39
The only way to achieve wisdom is through inner work, through solitary communication with yourself. It can also be achieved through communication with others.42
Those who have achieved victory over other people may be defeated in future battles, but those who have achieved victory over themselves will never be defeated again.42
Then, the most important knowledge is the knowledge of what is and is not essential to learn.43
One must find the balance between meditation and solitude, and then apply it to daily life.46
If there are millionaires, there must be poor people. Henry George.49
Some of the most religious people in Russia have an interesting custom: they bow to people when they are presented to them for the first time.50
The learned person who thinks but does not believe is like the cloud that does not give rain. Eastern Wisdom.50
We only live for ourselves when we live for others.51
When you understand yourself as a spiritual being, you will be free.53
If you live with another person, reach an agreement that, as soon as one starts to criticize the other, you will end the discussion.54
The truth expressed in words is the greatest force that exists in the life of people.57
A person who sails far from the shore can see beaches or cliffs, but when sailors move far away from the shore, they can only be guided by the stars and the compass that points their direction, and we have both.60
Remember, you do not live in the world, you are only passing through.61
… it is contrary to the laws of nature that a small group of people indulges in excess while neglecting the basic needs of a vast multitude of hungry people.73
You should look for the seeds of your future spiritual maturity in suffering, otherwise the bitterness of suffering will be very strong.74
If you get used to not criticizing others, you will notice that the capacity to love takes root in your soul, and you will notice that kindness takes root in your life.75
But there will come a time when people will feel as much aversion to the meat of animals as they now feel towards human meat. Alphonse Lamartine.77
Family love is a selfish feeling, and therefore it can justify bad actions.81
The time has come to talk about the horrors of war. It is not true that the existence of wars demonstrates their necessity. The history of humanity reveals that such things should not happen.85
A person can easily consume what five produce, and the question posed to all individuals and all nations is not how we are going to produce, but how our products are going to be consumed. John Ruskin.88
The kingdom of God is within us. Therefore, seek the kingdom of God within you, and everything else will develop in the best possible way.88
In all cases, when people use violence, you should try to convince them otherwise. You should present wise and convincing arguments, not appealing to the everyday world, but to their higher spiritual understanding. Then, when you have triumphed, you will obtain the total satisfaction of their conscience.90
Although it may seem strange, I believe that the first step towards moral perfection consists in freeing yourself from the religion in which you were educated.98
All other arguments against the consumption of meat, however convincing they may be, are meaningless in relation to the fact that animals possess the same vital spirit that exists in us. We should think that, by taking the life of an animal, we commit something close to suicide. No other argument against the consumption of meat is necessary for those who feel this inner belief.101
Try to establish an inner silence within you, an absolute silence of your lips and your heart. Then, you will hear the voice of God speaking to us, and you will learn to fulfill His will.113
The owner of large tracts of land is as unjust as the owner of people. We cannot say that the current laws on land ownership are legal. These laws have their roots in violence, crime, and power. Herbert Spencer. The private ownership of land did not originate from natural relations between people, but from theft. Henry George. The injustice of owning large tracts of land as private property, like any other injustice, is necessarily linked to many other injustices used to protect it.115
As soon as you start to criticize another person, stop. Remember that you should not say anything bad about anyone, even if you know it is true, and especially if you are not sure, when you are only repeating rumors.119
Illness should be considered a natural state of life.122
Almost everyone is proud, not of the things that arouse respect, but of the unnecessary, or even harmful: fame, power, and wealth.123
To pass from the material to the spiritual means to do only spiritual things. My material body pulls my inner self towards it, but I try to separate my spiritual self from my material body. Although I use my body, I live within my spiritual life, which is my real life.129
The legend of the wandering Jew who suffered the punishment of eternal life is very true. In the same way, there is a legend about a man who was punished with a life without suffering.130
People say that God created man in His image and likeness. This means that man created God in his image and likeness. George Lichtenberg.131
Meditation is the path to eternity; carelessness is the path to death. Those who meditate never die; the careless remind me of death. Buddhist Wisdom.133
Be strict with yourself, forgive others, and thus you will have no enemies. Chinese Wisdom.133
The earth is the common possession of all men equally, and therefore it cannot be the property of individuals. The possession of the earth as private property is one of the most aberrant crimes that exist. We cannot understand the horror of this crime because in our world it is accepted as a law. 135
The first rule to achieve kindness is this: think only of self-perfection, and do it without thinking of receiving praise from others. Chinese Wisdom.135
There is only one true religion, although there are many different beliefs. Immanuel Kant. 137
I call happy a life in which I do good deeds continuously, without intervals between them. Marcus Aurelius.138
You should be your own little lamp. Approach your inner light and do not seek another refuge. Buddhist Wisdom.141
We should not even discuss the lack of logic in the fact of eating meat. It is evident.143
Nothing is more enjoyable than the work of a farmer who cultivates the land. 147
If you believe in Him, you know that you do not need to desire anything, because the desires of God always come true.148

The green ones:
A thought can drive your life in the right direction only when it answers the questions formulated by your soul. Tolstoi, 9.
It is wonderful when two souls unite to support each other in their work, in their successes and failures, until the last silent minutes of the last goodbye. George Eliot.
Juan David  The universal intellect 35
Just as you cannot work with bees without taking precautions, you cannot work with people without having in mind their human condition. It is the quality of people, like that of bees: if you are not careful with them, you will harm them as much as you. It cannot be otherwise, because mutual love is the fundamental law of our existence.51
When you are prepared to die, do not worry about the usual things, such as fulfilling rituals or taking care of daily affairs. Prepare to die in the best possible way.67
The joy of your spirit is an indication of your strength. Ralph Waldo Emerson.69
He who knows that the basis of this life is the spirit is out of danger. When he closes the doors of his senses at the end of his life, he has no problems. Lao-Tsé.73
When everything you see appears in dark shadows, it seems ominous and you only want to say bad and unpleasant things to others, distrust your perceptions. Behave as if you were drunk. Do not take a step until this state has disappeared.82
But not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22, 42. 89
A person no longer fears death after assuming that he never was born, that he always existed, that he exists now, and that he will always exist.90
In the long run, people only achieve what they had set as a goal. Therefore, set yourself the highest goals.92
Think good thoughts, and your thoughts will turn into good actions.98
The following words were engraved in the bathroom of King Jinx-Hang: "Renew yourself completely every day and start again from the beginning." Chinese Wisdom.109
A kind person lives in a world of positive events, whose kindness is comparable to his own. Arthur Schopenhauer.112
I see a new religion based on mutual trust, that appeals to our deepest being, and that teaches that a person should love kindness without expecting reward, and that divinity exists in the whole world.151
Do not think that you will witness the arrival of the kingdom of God in person, but do not doubt that it will happen soon. Its arrival is imminent, without a doubt.151
Socialism, compared to Christianity, is a rather secondary question regarding the material needs of the working class. It evades the basic questions of human life. Fyodor Strakhov.152
"Science" is not the concept with which people identify the word. It is the most important, necessary, and transcendent object of our understanding.154
Time does not exist. Therefore, a person should concentrate all their spiritual energy only on the present.155


Internet? Muslih-ud-din Saadi
See The Talmud
Don't get irritated 43
See John Ruskin


A brief biography can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U80h1...
The greatest writer of his time. A religious apostle. Opposition between Dostoyevsky (conscience) and Tolstoi. Darkness and luminosity in both. Lenin supports Tolstoi's feeling/thinking: "The earth is nobody's, the earth is God's". He was born in Yasnaya Polyana. A noble and wealthy family. Law. An army officer. He creates schools and work centers for his peasants. His autobiography is "Confession", written in 1904. Married to Sonia Tolstaya, a very tense relationship that became a hell for both. Novelistic works, stories, poetry, etc. Integral humanism. Travels through Europe, related to opening schools for the poor. Free education. He had to close it due to external pressures. "War and Peace", a monumental work. In 1910, he escapes from his house with his youngest daughter and a servant. He died a few days later.

For each and every day of the 365 days; there are special, meaningful sayings, quotations from sacred books, and the words of thinkers. It is a book where you can read the quoted text either at once or every day. This book that I have been reading continuously makes a person think and also reminds us of our moral and religious values as human beings.

This unique book offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. The carefully selected sayings and quotations cover a wide range of topics, from love and kindness to courage and perseverance. Each day's reading provides a new perspective and a thought-provoking message that can have a profound impact on our lives.

As I flip through the pages of this book, I am constantly reminded of the importance of living a life based on our values. The words of the great thinkers and the teachings from the sacred books serve as a guide, helping us to make better decisions and to treat others with respect and kindness. This book is truly a treasure trove of wisdom that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a source of inspiration and guidance.

This is a page-a-day book.

Unlike the "Daily Stoic" page-a-day book, it is much more challenging to read each day.

"A Calendar of Wisdom" contains a significant amount of religious wisdom.

If such content doesn't interest you, I would suggest that you refrain from reading this book.

I initially read one page per day for a couple of months.

Later, I read a few pages every few days, and then many more pages every couple of weeks.

I underlined important passages, circled key words, and wrote my thoughts in the margins.

After completing the book, I reviewed all my annotations.

There were some statements with which I disagreed and some that I didn't fully understand.

However, this book truly challenged my thinking.

I will keep this book and hope to read it again someday.

I believe that each time I read it, I will gain new insights and perspectives.

It has become a valuable addition to my personal library.

Overall, "A Calendar of Wisdom" is a thought-provoking and engaging read.

I have drawn a great many interesting ideas from it, although I didn't agree with everything. My copy is filled with notes that helped me think, search for my own opinion, my own approach to this question, to this topic...

This book was given to my last partner in Riga, Sare Gastevesson, who gave it to me, and I am glad and grateful for that, because this book helped me think!

It's truly amazing how a single book can have such an impact on our thoughts and perspectives. As I flipped through its pages, I found myself engaged in a silent dialogue with the author, challenging some of the ideas presented and reflecting on how they related to my own experiences.

The notes I made served as a record of my evolving understanding, and they also served as a source of inspiration for further exploration. Thanks to Sare's kind gesture, this book has become a valuable addition to my personal library and a constant reminder of the power of ideas to shape our thinking.

First of all, I should have been done with it about half a year ago, but I just couldn't bring myself to it.

Anyhow, I made a wrong choice when it came to Tolstoy's book. At that time, I had been into The Daily Stoic and the concept of reading a page a day. So, when I saw this particular Tolstoy work, I thought it would be a nice transition into his body of work. I was trying to delay reading War and Peace as much as possible, and I still haven't gotten around to it.

And it was clear that I wasn't in the right mindset for this book.

This is Tolstoy's last major work. It's a collection of quotes, many of which are his own. However, some of these quotes felt rather off-putting as they seemed to lack much meaning. You can see what influenced him - he was deeply religious and constructed the book and his world based on his beliefs. There's no problem with that in itself, but it just created another disconnect for me. I couldn't understand what led him to those beliefs through these simple quotes.

So, I'll have to consider this one as a bit of a disappointment in the Tolstoy catalogue. I'll have to read War and Peace and a bunch of other works in order to gain a better understanding.

Maybe this is an argument for starting with an author's earlier works if you're inclined. It might provide a better foundation and context for understanding their later works.

How much wisdom does a man need? This question really makes us think, doesn't it? In this collection of diverse texts by Tolstoy, there are two works that stand out. I absolutely adored "How much Land does a Man need", but "The Calendar of Wisdom" had a different effect on me. It made me feel a bit reluctant, and I even seemed to grow a few more white hairs! Why? Because I got tired of the repetition of some thoughts and ideas, and the constant emphasis on certain crucial themes for Tolstoy, like faith, Christianity, God, duty, and the meaning and purpose of life.

To be honest, even after reading this, I still don't know how much wisdom a man truly needs. Do we ever reach that point? We do gain a lot of knowledge in our lives, but I'm not entirely sure if it's genuine, true knowledge. Maybe it's because I'm not as old as Tolstoy was when he worked on this. Oh well, it's a poor consolation to challenge my preconceptions.
Overall, the book is decent. It gives us the opportunity to discover the names of some of the greatest philosophers and writers, as well as witty yet serious folk tales from Eastern wisdom and sacred texts. In the introduction, I learned that this was a mini project Tolstoy wanted to do for himself, based on his diary note. However, I'm still not convinced that his aim was fully achieved. The anthology was launched in 1903, and then he returned to his original idea and a few years later, "A Circle of Reading" was published, which also includes the entries from "The Calendar of Wisdom".
I haven't achieved enlightenment, but I'm willing to admit that I've reached a sort of gentle agreement with Tolstoy on some scattered ideas here and there. I guess that's an imperfection we share. Only that I tend to think I view life more seriously than he does.

The selection of wisdom quotes presented here is truly very odd and egocentric. Instead of featuring renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, we have Lucy Mallory (?).

Tolstoy himself confesses that the excerpts in the book are predominantly interpreted in his own words.

One should not anticipate academic rigor and strict fidelity to the original sources. This is, in fact, a highly personal and biased compilation of thoughts.

However, it is precisely this idiosyncrasy that makes us love him. His unique perspective and the way he presents these thoughts add a certain charm and authenticity to the collection.

It allows us to see the world through his eyes and gain insights that might not be possible through a more traditional and objective approach.

Despite its flaws, this collection of wisdom quotes has its own value and吸引力. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting and thought-provoking ideas come from the most unexpected places.

This book simply wasn't the right fit for me.

I could clearly envision how others might extract a great deal of value from it.

Nevertheless, in contrast to other page-a-day books that prompt a point of reflection, this particular one had a drawback. It tended to focus on preaching what one should do rather than delving into reflecting on who one is or having an experience of the world.

Moreover, it was significantly more religious than I had anticipated.

Overall, the messages within the book were indeed good and held meaning.

However, they were not presented in a manner that managed to establish a connection with me.

Perhaps for those with different interests or a more religious inclination, this book would be a great choice.

But for me, it just didn't quite hit the mark.

I will continue my search for that perfect book that can truly engage and resonate with me on a deeper level.