I find it extremely difficult to simply sit down and read a book "page by page - day by day". Instead, I prefer to take it in chunks. As I read, I discover that I agree with a significant portion of what I come across, while also disagreeing with some. This is as it should be for someone who forms their own opinions about the world. However, the author's general philosophy aligns so closely with my own on so many matters that I cannot simply brush it aside and say, "Well, I don't care if I finish it this year or not." On the contrary, I have made a plan to work my way through the entire book and then pass it on to an interested friend. I believe that sharing this thought-provoking work with others will not only enhance my own understanding but also spark interesting discussions and new perspectives.

This final book from Tolstoy accomplishes two significant things.

First and foremost, it lives up to its billing as a daily guide encompassing 366 days, with February 29 included. Each day zeroes in on a specific topic such as humility, science, faith, and many others.

Secondly, it provides a fascinating portrayal of Tolstoy himself. It is quite interesting to note that he was a vocal advocate for vegetarianism and dedicated approximately four days to discussing this topic. His Christian faith was evidently of utmost importance, as he evangelizes about it on several pages. However, what is refreshing is that he is inclusive enough to liberally quote secular philosophers as well as a plethora of Eastern thinkers, including Buddhist thought.

Nearly every few pages contain a gem of wisdom. The only major drawback is that there are not actually 366 distinct topics. Instead, there are perhaps at most 30 topics that are repeated with variations throughout. If one were to read this book as intended, one topic per day rather than in a compressed period of about six weeks, this might not pose a significant problem.

Personally, I skimmed past several thoughts with which I did not agree. Nevertheless, as a daily book that features some excellent quotes and a diversity of thought, it is still very much worth reading.

It took me a full 7 years to work my way through this by engaging in daily reflection.

However, Tolstoy and his remarkable cast of selections have truly withstood the test of time and even transcended it.

Tolstoy's works are like precious gems that shine brighter with each passing year. His ability to create complex and vivid characters, along with his profound exploration of human nature and society, is simply astonishing.

The stories and themes he presents continue to resonate with readers across different generations and cultures.

Despite the passage of time, Tolstoy's works remain as relevant and engaging as ever, offering valuable insights and inspiration to all who encounter them.

They are a testament to the power of great literature and its ability to endure and make a lasting impact.

Sophia's Diary, 365 pages filled with wisdom and knowledge. Sayings of significant personalities from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD. It includes sayings of ancient Greek philosophers, sayings from the Gospel, the Quran, Buddhist and Chinese wisdom, from the Talmud, sayings of later philosophers, poets, clergy, and scientists…

It is a daily reading diary, each page representing a new day and a new theme of inner exploration. According to Tolstoy and other thinkers, wisdom is not obtained from books but from life. From books, you get the necessary tools to start your journey to 'ITHACA', as Cavafy correctly writes in his poem.

Work without resting to keep your spirit awake, work for the right and the true. Don't be afraid to speak or to be silent. Don't be afraid to travel, to see new things, to fill yourself with knowledge and love and also to give. Don't compromise with stagnation and idleness. Think, act freely to know the world.

"I laugh with those who believe they can harm me. They don't know who I am, they don't know what I think, they can't even touch the things that are truly mine and because of which I live." Epictetus (Greek Stoic philosopher)

A long book, with profound philosophy, but I can summarize it in a short sentence. Over time, we find that the highest truths are all very simple, concise, and above all, extremely familiar. So familiar that at first glance we may see nothing new, but gradually realize that if we understand it correctly, everything, everything will change.

Except for a few very minor differences that I don't remember now, I agree with and appreciate everything in this book. However, when my sister asked about the book I was reading, I didn't introduce this one. My sister is a simple person, happy with her family, and eager to earn money for her children, so I thought she wasn't ready to read it.

If you are over 50, go ahead and read it. But if you already have a family and the burden of children, the book is still good if you have a strong mentality.

It seems that towards the end of his life, Tolstoy was greatly influenced by Eastern philosophy. Although at the peak, we will encounter the intersection of many cultures, there are still some things that I think only exist in Buddhism and that Tolstoy was influenced by: vegetarianism (both meat and fish), giving up all desires, and most importantly, as Buddhism says, "revering the mind that has nowhere to abide and is born in the kalpa," which means having to get rid of everything, even the teachings of religion, to reach true religion.

The translation is from English. The translator seems to be knowledgeable and conscientious. There are many useful annotations. However, often inserting some redundant and...awkward sentences =))))

The following part I wrote to remind myself, no need to read.

Personally, I think there are 3 things in the book that belong to enlightenment. The first is to distinguish between man and action. The second is to distinguish between absolute truth and relative truth. The third is the importance of manual labor on the ground.

As I said, almost everything said in the book was already known before through Buddhist teachings, but books like this, like those of Thich Nhat Hanh, although there is nothing new, are very important in reminding us. The bad nature is like a stubborn stone, and it must be continuously polished. I have two very prominent bad natures: a sharp tongue and a punitive mentality. Thanks to reading books, my scolding ability is very good. It has to be said that it is as sharp as a knife. Saying a little but hurting deeply. Having a compassionate heart and then letting it go, so I am not afraid to scold things that I think are not good. Because of scolding too much, I lost one of the most important people in my life. The same goes for punishment. I used to believe in karma, that those who make mistakes need to be punished. If we overlook the mistakes, it is conniving at evil. Note that I always scold the right person and punish the right crime. I didn't think I was wrong, but the problem is that after each sharp tongue and punishment, I don't feel happy. I am tired and depressed, and sometimes have nightmares.

In another case that I consider the greatest enlightenment in my life. That is when I was betrayed by a friend whom I loved and cherished very much. A person whom I completely loved and thought they also loved me the same way, but it turned out to be completely the opposite, putting me in a bad light with everyone. At that time, I could completely confront and clarify with everyone. But I decided to overlook everything, do nothing, and treat them normally. At that time, I felt so happy, light, as if there was a light at the end of the tunnel. However, over time, I often bring up this friend as evidence of my bad nature, and every time I do this, I feel myself becoming worse and worse, and I don't feel happy in my heart. I admit that I was very wrong.

In fact, speaking less, not holding grudges even when others do things wrong to you, is the only way to bring lasting and pure happiness. I haven't been able to do this yet. During the time of reading this book, I also had a sharp tongue and punished quite a bit. But now I know for sure that I was wrong. I will keep it in my heart and gradually correct it :( Even when I was a child, I didn't understand how people could be forgiving and not hold grudges. Whoever reads this to the end must read this book of Tolstoy.

This is an amazing book filled with beautiful thoughts. It takes the reader on a journey through a world of profound ideas and inspiring concepts. Each page is like a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and cherished. The author's words have the power to touch the heart and stimulate the mind, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and a new perspective on life.

The book is not just a collection of thoughts, but a work of art that combines language, imagery, and emotion in a seamless way. It is a must-read for anyone who loves to explore the deeper meaning of life and is looking for inspiration and motivation. Whether you are facing challenges or simply seeking a moment of reflection, this book will surely provide you with the guidance and wisdom you need.

In conclusion, this amazing book is a true masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. It is a source of inspiration, a wellspring of ideas, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book that will change their life.

This is allegedly Tolstoy's personal compilation of ideas that he encountered during his reading and desired to preserve. He read this collection daily, at times to the extent of excluding any other book.

I'm unsure if this is indeed the case, yet it has undeniably introduced me to numerous writers whom I might not have otherwise come across.

We are perusing English translations of Tolstoy's Russian translations of Greek and Latin works, and at times, it even includes passages from the New Testament.

Evidently, it's not a thrilling page-turner, but it can be of great assistance in a tight spot, providing a smidgen of unconventional inspiration amassed by one of the titans of Western Literature.

It offers a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge that can expand our literary horizons and give us a deeper understanding of the works and thoughts of those who came before us.

Although it may not be the most exciting read, it holds a certain charm and value that is worth exploring.

A precious collection awaits, filled with quotes and snippets of text. It draws from The Talmud, The Bible, The Qur'an, The Bhagavad Gita, and the works of various poets and authors. These are not just random selections but have been hand-picked carefully by Tolstoy. Each day has its own dedicated page, allowing you to explore and reflect on these profound words. It's a journey through different religious, philosophical, and cultural texts, offering insights and wisdom that can enrich your life. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, literary inspiration, or a deeper understanding of different cultures, this collection has something for everyone. Open it up each day and let the words speak to you.

Rated: D+
This book was presented to me by the participants in a workshop that I conducted.

It is a daily compilation of quotations that Tolstoy assembled, with each day sharing a common theme.

Given the wide range of quotations sourced from various religious texts, it is evident that Tolstoy held an open theology, being receptive to ideas from numerous belief systems.

However, I discovered that the majority of the ideas presented leaned more towards a humanistic world view, which frequently stands in opposition to a biblical world view.

Despite containing thousands of quotations, only a few managed to leave a lasting impression.

This book, while interesting in its compilation, ultimately failed to meet my expectations in terms of presenting a coherent and thought-provoking perspective that aligns with my own beliefs.

The statement "Would probably get an extra star if you removed every passage attributed to Tolstoy." implies that the presence of passages attributed to Tolstoy might be having a negative impact on the overall assessment or rating.

Perhaps the work in question is being evaluated based on certain criteria, and the inclusion of Tolstoy's passages is not aligning with those standards. It could be that the style, content, or tone of Tolstoy's writing is not in harmony with the rest of the piece.

However, it's important to note that Tolstoy is a highly regarded and influential writer. Removing his passages might also mean losing some of the depth, wisdom, and literary value that his words bring.

It would be interesting to explore further why the passages attributed to Tolstoy are being singled out in this way. Maybe there are specific reasons related to the context, the intended audience, or the goals of the work.

In conclusion, while the idea of removing Tolstoy's passages to gain an extra star has been put forward, it's a decision that requires careful consideration of the potential consequences and the overall artistic integrity of the work.

It is also a kind of chicken soup for the soul (the book cover is like the seed of the soul ^^), but because it is by Lev Tolstoy, when reading, there is also less prejudice. Moreover, although it is just chicken soup, it is not to the extent of being反感, so it is okay to read. Especially, it leans more towards what is called the soul, God, love for all the spiritual lives of things...

Tolstoy's works always have a certain depth and influence. This piece, although seemingly simple like chicken soup, actually contains profound thoughts and insights. It makes people think about the meaning and value of life, and the relationship between humans and the spiritual world. Reading it can bring a certain degree of inspiration and touch to people's hearts.

Perhaps in today's fast-paced society, people are often busy with work and life, and ignore the needs of the soul. At this time, reading such a work can make people stop and think, and give the soul a chance to rest and recharge. Therefore, although it is chicken soup, it still has its own unique charm and value.

I never in my wildest dreams imagined that this would turn out to be so overwhelmingly religious.

I have always had a deep love for Tolstoy's works. His stories have the power to transport me to different worlds and make me think deeply about life and human nature.

However, this particular piece is completely different from what I am used to. It seems to be dominated by religious themes and ideas that I just can't quite connect with.

Maybe it's because I don't have the same religious background or beliefs as the author. Or perhaps it's just that this style of writing doesn't resonate with me on a personal level.

Whatever the reason, I have to admit that this is not my kind of stuff at all. I'll have to look elsewhere for the kind of literature that truly speaks to my heart and soul.