Chapter 1: Introduction to Tolstoy's Provocative Ideas

Leo Tolstoy, when read with a discerning eye, delivers his messages with striking clarity and bluntness that can be jarring. If you believe that Lev Nikolaevich is merely a tedious writer whose works are irrelevant today, prepare for a revelation. This author may just challenge your preconceived notions and provoke deep reflection.

In this discussion, I present 20 thought-provoking and politically incorrect quotes from Tolstoy regarding marriage and women. Consider whether these statements are the rants of a misguided individual or profound truths that we often ignore.

Section 1.1: Tolstoy's Critique of Women Authors

1. There was a time when merely knowing that a story's author was female was enough for me to dismiss it. The perspective of women on male experiences often seems laughable; conversely, women excel in depicting their own realities.

This claim is certainly contentious. The merit of a writer should not be determined by gender, although during Tolstoy's era, female authors were a rarity.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Complexity of Female Existence

2. Women bring us into the world, nurture us, offer joy, and then begin to inflict pain, corrupting and ultimately leading us to our demise. Meanwhile, men seem to merely support women while preaching chastity. Who, then, is responsible for the demise of women, if ultimately, we all share the same fate?
3. Love manifests as a fevered state, akin to intoxication. This notion, while simplistic, speaks to the obsession many have with love and truth, which many pursue throughout their lives.

Chapter 2: Marriage and Relationships

6. Marriage is a pact between a man and a woman, promising fidelity in procreation. I would add that it also includes a commitment to mutual exclusivity in intimacy.
7. Avoiding female company can be prudent, as it is within this sphere that we often encounter vices like indulgence and frivolity. Who else but women can lead us away from virtues such as courage and integrity?
8. I would prefer not to see the trend of hiring female staff in hotels become commonplace in Russia. While I am not averse to this practice, I'd rather use a dish touched by a floor mat than one served by a weary-looking maid.
9. It’s crucial to maintain respect and love for one's partner, even amidst marital affection.
10. Marriage should not be rooted in love but rather in practical considerations; one should seek a partner who will enhance, rather than hinder, their pursuit of a fulfilling life.

This perspective may seem ahead of its time, as it aligns with contemporary views on successful marriages.

11. A woman's education is inevitably shaped by how men perceive her.
12. It is unrealistic to expect a woman to judge her feelings of exclusive love through a moral lens, as she often lacks a true moral sense. This prompts the question: did the Mother of Jesus possess no moral compass simply because she was a woman?
13. The only genuine and lasting bond between a man and a woman is rooted in spiritual connection. Physical intimacy devoid of this deeper connection often leads to mutual suffering.
14. Combating sexual desire would be simpler if society did not romanticize both sexual relationships and the feelings that accompany them. If people understood that sexual acts are animalistic unless imbued with serious responsibilities, the perspective would shift considerably.
15. Over the past seventy years, my view of women has only declined further. The "women's question" is crucial, but it does not revolve around how women can take control of their lives; it’s about how they can stop their own self-destruction.
16. In my later years, contemplating sexual intimacy brings not just disgust but amazement that intelligent beings would engage in such acts.
17. Many men expect virtues from their wives that they themselves fail to embody.
18. Women give life, nurture, bring joy, and then turn to inflicting pain, corruption, and ultimately death.
19. The root of marital dissatisfaction stems from the belief that marriage equates to happiness. The allure of marriage is often fueled by sexual desire, which is misinterpreted as a promise of joy, leading to the painful realization that marriage can often lead to suffering and the burden of one's partner's flaws.
20. Romantic stories typically end with marriage, but they should start there and conclude with the notion of newfound freedom. Halting narratives at marriage is akin to detailing a journey and stopping when the traveler encounters danger.

This exploration of Tolstoy's views offers a candid glimpse into his complex relationship with women, challenging us to reconsider our own perspectives and societal norms.