Leo Tolstoy
Circle of Reading
Translated by Dmitry Fadeyev

February 15

There is natural simplicity, and there is the simplicity of wisdom. Both the former and the latter evoke love and respect.

1

Most of life’s problems can be solved like algebraic equations: by reducing them to their simplest form.

2

The words of truth are always simple and unadorned.

— Marcellinus

3

The greatest truths are the simplest.

4

Simplicity is always attractive. It is what makes children and animals attractive.

5

Nature knows nothing of the hateful divisions that people have established among themselves. It endows people with spiritual qualities, making no preferences for the noble and the rich. It even appears that natural kind feelings are more often found among the ordinary people.

— Lessing

6

Whenever people speak in a clever, artful and beautiful way, they either want to deceive someone, or they want to exalt themselves. Such people should not be trusted or imitated.

Good speeches are simple, clear and wise.

7

Simplicity is the consciousness of your own human dignity.

— Boiste

8

Simplicity is always the result of elevated feelings.

— D’Alembert

9

The word brings people together, which is why you should try to speak in a way that everyone can understand and make sure that everything you say is true.


Avoid everything artificial and exclusive, everything that could attract other’s peoples attention. Nothing helps bring people together like simplicity.