Skip to content

Given Quote by Leo Tolstoy

“What is reason given me for, if I am not to use it to avoid bringing unhappy beings into the world!” quote by Leo Tolstoy
Download Open image
“What is reason given me for, if I am not to use it to avoid bringing unhappy beings into the world!”

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

Source Book: War and Peace, 1869

It questions that reason should guide actions to prevent suffering, not be ignored for convenience.

In simple terms: Reason should be used to avoid causing suffering.

Key Takeaway

Apply reason to protect life.

Themes

ethics responsibility compassion

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • policy making
  • environmental choices
  • medical ethics

Key Concepts

moral philosophy utilitarianism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance reason with emotion?
  • When does protecting life conflict with other values?
A Different Perspective

Reason can be clouded by personal bias or limited knowledge.

2.8 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Leo Tolstoy

Explore all 1,755 Leo Tolstoy quotes

More Given quotes

Browse all 10,948 Given quotes