Leo Tolstoy's Lessons on Failure, Identity, and Asking "Why?" | Yiyun Li, Hope & Optimism

TL;DR

Tolstoy's failures and writing legacy contrast big life questions with small daily mysteries.

Transcript

Here’s a writer I love -- actually, this is a man o’ war, and I borrowed words from my best friend Amy Leach, who is a beautiful nature writer. She wrote this line about the man o’ war: 'The man o’ war appears to be one individual, like Leo Tolstoy. But it’s actually many individuals living together as a colony, like Leo Tolstoy.' So Tolstoy. He ce... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Tolstoy's failures in various endeavors contrast with his success as a writer.
• 😃 Big whys encompass existential questions about life and suffering.
• 🛩️ Small whys refer to daily mysteries and preferences that shape individual decisions.
• ⌛ Time can become distorted and subjective, impacting individuals' experiences.
• 😃 The distinction between big whys and small whys offers insight into life's complexities.
• 🥺 Individuals may struggle to find answers to profound questions, leading to a sense of timelessness.
• 🛟 Small whys, though seemingly insignificant, provide comfort and stability in daily life.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Tolstoy's failures and writing contribute to his legacy?

Tolstoy failed at various pursuits but excelled as a writer, leading to praise from fellow writers like Isaac Babel, who likened his writing to how the world would write itself.

Q: What distinction does the text make between big whys and small whys in life?

Big whys encompass existential questions about life, suffering, and identity while small whys focus on everyday mysteries and preferences that shape individual decisions.

Q: How does the experience of time affect individuals, especially those with mental illness?

Time can become distorted for individuals experiencing severe depression, leading to a sense of timelessness and the questioning of its reality and rationality.

Q: Why are big whys considered unanswerable and why are small whys important?

Big whys are often unanswerable because they touch on profound topics like life and death, while small whys, though mundane, provide insulation and sustenance in daily life.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tolstoy's complex life included failures in various endeavors, except writing.

• The importance of big whys and small whys in life is highlighted through examples.

• Time and the subjective experience of it pose questions on reality and rationality.