August 28, 1828, marks the birth of one of Russia’s greatest literary figures, Leo Tolstoy. Known for his masterpieces War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Tolstoy isn’t just a celebrated novelist, but also a thinker, educator, and moral voice who shaped Russian society. Although he was a frequent contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature and Peace, he never won, which might surprise those who know him primarily as a genius of literature. So, what made Tolstoy such a unique figure? Let’s take a deeper dive into the layers of his life, filled with contradictions and complexities that make him not just a writer, but a symbol of rebellion, idealism, and heartache.

The Non-Typical “Bad Student”

Despite his status as a literary giant, Tolstoy was far from an academic success story. At the age of 16, he entered Kazan University, enrolled in the Oriental Studies department, where he studied languages like Turkish and Arabic. But, here’s the catch—he wasn’t exactly the star pupil. His grades in history and German were some of the lowest in his class. Eventually, Tolstoy transferred to the law department, but that didn’t work out either. The surrounding atmosphere of wealthy, idle students didn’t exactly inspire him, and he never earned a degree.

Yet, despite his academic setbacks, Tolstoy wasn’t lacking in intelligence. He was drawn to philosophy and writing, fields that sparked his passion. His legal history professor, Meyer, recognized his potential, even commenting that if Tolstoy applied himself, he could achieve greatness. And oh, how right he was. His true talent flourished in literature, where he became one of the most influential authors in history.

The Non-Typical Husband

At 35, Tolstoy married Sofia Tolstoy, a young woman not yet 18, who would become both his wife and his primary collaborator. She transcribed his works—including War and Peace—multiple times, acting as both muse and secretary. In his early marriage diaries, Tolstoy penned beautiful love letters and heartfelt poems, showing a romantic side that contrasted with his usual philosophical musings.

But Tolstoy was no typical husband. He was brutally honest with his wife, revealing his wild past to her—his youthful excesses, which included drinking, gambling, and affairs. His openness about these misdeeds, although meant to prove his commitment to a faithful future, only left Sofia heartbroken. As the years went by, Tolstoy’s dedication to social causes and spiritual pursuits overshadowed his duties as a husband and father. Despite having 13 children, he rarely paid attention to their needs when they fell ill, becoming more absorbed in his social activism.

By the time they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary, Tolstoy refused to take a photo with his wife, and in his final year, at the age of 82, he left home in search of spiritual fulfillment, effectively leaving Sofia behind.

The Non-Typical Nobleman

Born into an aristocratic family, Tolstoy had everything—land, wealth, and security. But he saw his privilege as a burden. He was deeply troubled by the disparity between his life and the hardships faced by the poor. Despite his noble status, he spoke out against the serfdom that was common in Russia at the time and devoted himself to improving the lives of the peasants. He even worked alongside them, building homes, farming, and making shoes with his own hands.

Tolstoy’s moral views were deeply influenced by his Christian beliefs, particularly the ideals of compassion and selflessness. He saw material wealth as a source of evil and embraced a life of simplicity and service to others. His novels, particularly War and Peace, tackled universal themes of human suffering and happiness, transcending his own time and place. While his family was entangled in Russia’s aristocracy, Tolstoy’s mind was with the common people, striving to give voice to those who had none.

Tolstoy’s Lasting Legacy

Despite being born into privilege and living through tumultuous times—including the Crimean War, which Russia lost—Tolstoy’s works transcend personal history and national borders. His life was one of constant self-questioning and searching for meaning, and through his works, he reached millions. His contributions to literature, philosophy, and social justice continue to resonate today.

Leo Tolstoy might not have followed the typical paths expected of a student, husband, or nobleman, but it was this very non-conformity that made him a revolutionary figure. He challenged societal norms, broke away from conventional expectations, and lived a life that was as fascinating and complex as his greatest literary works.