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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tolstoy blames the lack of a clear moral framework for the confusion caused by false religions and science.
In plain terms
People follow bad rules because they lack a true guide for living.
What can you take from it?
Clear ethical teachings are needed to replace harmful cultural norms.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debate
  • religious reform
  • ethical education

Putting it to work

  • seek coherent ethical systems
  • question pseudo-science claims

Questions to consider

  • What guides your conduct?
  • Are your beliefs based on truth or tradition?

Another view

It idealizes a single 'reasonable' teaching in a pluralistic world.

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  3. ...that a majority of working people submit to a handful of idlers who control their labour and their very lives is always and everywhere the same...

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