The Human Experience: Pain and Empathy According to Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer. He is considered one of the greatest authors and moral thinkers of all times.

The citation by Tolstoy: “If you feel pain, You are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being,” embraces humanity through empathy. 

It means that people before engaging in unpleasant actions toward others should have the ability to think and reflect. What you don’t want others to do to you, you should never do it to others.  His thinking is applicable in any sphere of life (untimely wars, cheating in relationships, manipulation and exploitation of friends or colleagues for personal benefit, broken promises, stealing, and dishonesty in general). Empathetic individuals would never think of hurting people with inappropriate actions, creating pain and suffering, especially during difficult times.