What Is Art?

In 'What Is Art?', Tolstoy argues that art is a means of communicating feelings to others, with the ultimate goal of uniting people in shared emotions.

He rejects the traditional aesthetic view that art is based on beauty, instead emphasizing that true art must serve the progress and improvement of humanity.

Tolstoy believes that art should be accessible to all people, not just the privileged, and that it should foster empathy and understanding.

He criticizes art that is partisan or serves the interests of the ruling class, advocating for art that promotes universal values and social justice.