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What Is Art?

What Is Art?

by Leo Tolstoy 1897 252 pages
3.72
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Key Takeaways

1. Art Communicates Feeling, Not Just Beauty

Art is that human activity which consists in one man’s consciously conveying to others, by certain external signs, the feelings he has experienced, and in others being infected by those feelings and also experiencing them.

Beyond Aesthetics. Tolstoy rejects the prevailing notion that art is primarily about beauty. Instead, he posits that art's fundamental purpose is to transmit feelings from one person to another. This transmission occurs when an artist intentionally evokes a feeling within themselves and then expresses it through external means, such as words, sounds, or images, effectively infecting the audience with that same feeling.

Infection as Criterion. The success of a work of art, according to Tolstoy, hinges on its ability to infect the recipient with the artist's emotion. This infectiousness is the key criterion for distinguishing true art from mere artistic counterfeits. It's not about technical skill, aesthetic appeal, or intellectual complexity, but about the genuine transfer of feeling.

Examples of Infection. Tolstoy illustrates this with simple examples: a boy recounting a frightening encounter with a wolf, a man expressing joy through music, or an artist depicting suffering on canvas. In each case, the art lies in the ability to make the audience feel what the artist felt, creating a shared emotional experience that transcends individual isolation.

2. Religious Consciousness Defines True Art

Always, in all times and in all human societies, there has existed this religious consciousness, common to all people of the society, of what is good and what is bad, and it is this religious consciousness that determines the worth of the feelings conveyed by art.

Moral Compass. Tolstoy argues that the value of art is intrinsically linked to the religious consciousness of its time. This "religious consciousness" isn't necessarily about organized religion, but rather the shared understanding of good and evil that guides a society's moral compass. Art that aligns with this consciousness is considered good, while art that contradicts it is deemed bad.

Evolution of Values. As societies evolve, so does their religious consciousness. What was once considered virtuous may later be seen as harmful, and vice versa. Art, therefore, must reflect the highest moral ideals of its era to be truly meaningful and beneficial.

Examples Across Cultures. Tolstoy points to various historical examples, such as the Greeks valuing art that celebrated beauty and strength, while the Jews prized art that promoted devotion to God. In each case, the prevailing religious consciousness shaped the criteria for judging artistic merit.

3. Upper-Class Art Divides, Universal Art Unites

Christian art is that alone which unites all people without exception – either by calling up in them the awareness that they are all in the same position with regard to God and their neighbour, or by calling up in them one and the same feeling, even the most simple, but not contrary to Christianity and proper to all people without exception.

Exclusive vs. Inclusive. Tolstoy criticizes the art of the upper classes for its tendency to cater to a narrow audience, often at the expense of broader human connection. This exclusive art, he argues, reinforces social divisions and fails to promote the universal brotherhood that is central to Christian ideals.

The Power of Simplicity. In contrast, Tolstoy champions art that is accessible to all, regardless of social status, education, or cultural background. This universal art focuses on simple, everyday feelings that resonate with the human experience, such as joy, tenderness, and compassion.

Examples of Universal Art. Tolstoy cites folk songs, fairy tales, and simple ornaments as examples of art that can unite people across social and cultural divides. These forms of expression, he argues, are more valuable than complex and pretentious works that appeal only to a select few.

4. Counterfeit Art Relies on Borrowing and Effects

The professional artist lives by his art, and must therefore constantly invent subjects for his works, and invent them he does.

Methods of Deception. Tolstoy identifies several techniques used to create counterfeit art, including borrowing from previous works, imitating reality with excessive detail, relying on striking effects to stimulate the senses, and diverting the audience with intellectual puzzles or historical settings.

Borrowing and Imitation. These methods, while often impressive in their technical execution, lack the essential ingredient of genuine art: the artist's own authentic feeling. Instead, they offer a mere simulacrum of art, a hollow imitation that fails to infect the audience with a true emotional experience.

Effectiveness and Diversion. Tolstoy argues that true art should not be judged by its realism, its strikingness, or its intellectual complexity, but by its ability to convey a genuine feeling from the artist to the audience. These elements distract from the core purpose of art, which is to create a shared emotional experience.

5. Professionalism and Criticism Pervert Art

As soon as art became a profession, the chief and most precious property of art – its sincerity – became significantly weakened and was partly destroyed.

The Artist as Professional. Tolstoy contends that the professionalization of art, driven by financial incentives and the demands of the upper classes, has corrupted its sincerity. Artists who create for profit, rather than out of genuine inspiration, are more likely to produce counterfeit works that cater to popular tastes.

The Role of Critics. Art criticism, according to Tolstoy, further exacerbates the problem by elevating cerebral and contrived works while dismissing simpler, more heartfelt expressions. Critics, often lacking the capacity for genuine artistic experience, impose artificial standards and perpetuate a cycle of imitation and pretension.

The Harm of Schools. Tolstoy also criticizes art schools for teaching students how to replicate the styles of past masters, rather than encouraging them to develop their own unique voices. This emphasis on technique over feeling, he argues, produces a generation of skilled artisans who are incapable of creating true art.

6. The Art of the Future Will Be Universal and Sincere

The art of the future – as it really will be – will not be a continuation of present-day art, but will emerge on completely different, new principles, having nothing in common with those by which our modern upper-class art is guided.

A New Direction. Tolstoy envisions a future art that breaks free from the constraints of the upper classes and embraces the values of universal brotherhood and sincere expression. This art will be accessible to all, regardless of their social status or education, and will focus on feelings that unite people rather than divide them.

Simplicity and Clarity. The art of the future will prioritize simplicity, clarity, and brevity over complex techniques and obscure symbolism. It will be an art that speaks directly to the human heart, conveying genuine emotions in a way that is easily understood and deeply felt.

The Artist's Role. Artists will no longer be professional entertainers, but ordinary people who create art out of an inner need to share their experiences with others. This shift in focus will ensure that art remains true to its purpose: to connect people through shared feeling and promote the well-being of humanity.

7. Science and Art Must Align for Progress

Science and art are as closely tied to each other as lungs and heart, so that if one organ is perverted, the other cannot function properly.

Interdependence. Tolstoy emphasizes the close relationship between science and art, arguing that both are essential for human progress. Science provides the knowledge and understanding that guide human action, while art translates that knowledge into feeling, inspiring people to live in accordance with the highest ideals.

The Perversion of Science. Just as art has been corrupted by its pursuit of beauty and pleasure, science has been led astray by its focus on technical advancements and the justification of the existing social order. This deviation from its true purpose has hindered art's ability to fulfill its own role in promoting human well-being.

A Call for True Science. Tolstoy calls for a reorientation of science towards the study of fundamental questions about human life, morality, and social organization. Only by aligning itself with the religious consciousness of its time can science provide a solid foundation for art to flourish and contribute to the progress of humanity.

8. Christian Art Promotes Brotherly Love

The purpose of art in our time consists in transferring from the realm of reason to the realm of feeling the truth that people’s well-being lies in being united among themselves and in establishing, in place of the violence that now reigns, that Kingdom of God – that is, of love – which we all regard as the highest aim of human life.

The Essence of Christian Art. Tolstoy defines Christian art as that which promotes the union of people through love and brotherhood. This art can take two forms: religious art that directly expresses feelings of devotion and compassion, and universal art that conveys simple, everyday emotions accessible to all.

Rejecting Divisive Art. Tolstoy condemns art that promotes division and hostility, such as patriotic or sensual works. He argues that true Christian art must transcend these narrow interests and embrace the universality of human experience.

A Vision of Unity. Ultimately, Tolstoy envisions art as a powerful force for social transformation, capable of replacing violence and injustice with a world based on love and understanding. By aligning itself with the Christian ideal of brotherly union, art can help humanity achieve its highest potential.

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FAQ

What is "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy about?

  • Central Inquiry: The book investigates the fundamental question, "What is art?" and seeks to define its true nature and purpose in human life.
  • Critique of Prevailing Views: Tolstoy challenges the common association of art with beauty, pleasure, and imitation, arguing that these definitions are vague and inadequate.
  • Moral and Social Focus: He emphasizes art's role in uniting people, fostering moral development, and serving the highest ideals of society.
  • Historical and Social Context: The work reflects Tolstoy's late-life spiritual crisis and his critique of upper-class culture, advocating for a more sincere, accessible, and morally grounded art.

Why should I read "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy?

  • Foundational Critique: The book offers a radical and influential critique of traditional aesthetics and the art world, challenging readers to reconsider what makes art valuable.
  • Moral Perspective: Tolstoy’s focus on the ethical and social functions of art provides a unique lens for understanding the impact of art on society.
  • Relevance Today: Many of Tolstoy’s concerns about elitism, accessibility, and sincerity in art remain relevant in contemporary debates about culture and creativity.
  • Influence on Art Theory: The book has shaped discussions in philosophy, art criticism, and cultural studies, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of art.

What are the key takeaways from "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy?

  • Art as Infectious Feeling: True art is the sincere transmission of feeling from artist to audience, creating a shared emotional experience.
  • Rejection of Beauty as Criterion: Defining art by beauty or pleasure is misleading; art’s value lies in its ability to unite people and promote moral progress.
  • Accessibility and Sincerity: Genuine art must be understandable and accessible to all, not just an elite few, and must be created with sincerity.
  • Social and Religious Role: Art should align with the highest moral and religious ideals of its time, serving to elevate and unite humanity.

How does Leo Tolstoy define art in "What Is Art?"?

  • Art as Communication: Tolstoy defines art as the conscious transmission of feelings from one person to others through external signs.
  • Infectiousness as Essence: The defining feature of art is its ability to "infect" others with the artist’s feeling, creating a spiritual union.
  • Beyond Beauty and Pleasure: He rejects the idea that art’s purpose is to manifest beauty or provide pleasure, focusing instead on its unifying and moral function.
  • Necessity for Humanity: Art is as essential as language, enabling people to share experiences and emotions across time and space.

What is Tolstoy’s critique of defining art by beauty in "What Is Art?"?

  • Subjectivity of Beauty: Tolstoy argues that beauty is a subjective and unstable concept, varying from person to person and culture to culture.
  • Beauty vs. Goodness: He distinguishes between the good (an eternal aim) and the beautiful (subjective pleasure), warning that focusing on beauty can distract from moral values.
  • Critique of Aesthetics: Tolstoy criticizes the tradition of aesthetics, especially since Baumgarten, for conflating beauty with the good and obscuring art’s true purpose.
  • Misleading Foundation: He believes that using beauty as the criterion for art justifies exclusive, elitist, and often morally questionable works.

According to "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy, what distinguishes true art from counterfeit art?

  • Infectiousness as Test: True art infects the audience with the artist’s genuine feeling, while counterfeit art fails to do so.
  • Three Conditions: The worth of art depends on the particularity of feeling, clarity of expression, and, most importantly, the sincerity of the artist.
  • Counterfeit Methods: Counterfeit art relies on borrowing, imitation, effectfulness, and diversion rather than sincere feeling.
  • Professionalism and Criticism: Professional artists, critics, and art schools often perpetuate counterfeit art by prioritizing technique and novelty over genuine emotion.

What role does religious consciousness play in Tolstoy’s definition of art in "What Is Art?"?

  • Religious Criterion: The content of good art must align with the religious consciousness of the time, which defines the highest good and purpose of life.
  • Christian Ideal: In Tolstoy’s era, this consciousness centers on brotherly love and the unity of all people, which art should promote.
  • Historical Shifts: He traces how changes in religious consciousness have shaped the content and value of art throughout history.
  • Art’s Purpose: Art should replace harmful feelings with those that foster kindness, unity, and spiritual progress.

How does Tolstoy critique the art of the upper classes in "What Is Art?"?

  • Disconnection from the People: Tolstoy argues that upper-class art is exclusive, incomprehensible, and disconnected from the genuine feelings of the broader population.
  • Counterfeit and Amusement: Much of this art serves only to amuse or distract a small elite, lacking sincerity and moral value.
  • Loss of Religious Foundation: The decline of true art is linked to the loss of a shared religious consciousness among the upper classes.
  • Social Consequences: This art perpetuates social divisions, wastes resources, and undermines the moral development of society.

What is Tolstoy’s view on professional artists, art criticism, and art schools in "What Is Art?"?

  • Professionalism Weakens Sincerity: Making art a profession leads artists to create works for material gain, often at the expense of genuine feeling.
  • Critics Set False Standards: Art critics, often lacking true sensitivity, promote cerebral and contrived works, distorting public taste.
  • Art Schools Teach Technique, Not Feeling: Schools focus on technique and imitation, producing artists who lack sincerity and the capacity for true artistic infection.
  • Multiplication of Counterfeit Art: These institutions contribute to the proliferation of counterfeit art and the public’s misunderstanding of what art truly is.

How does Tolstoy evaluate modern art movements and specific artists in "What Is Art?"?

  • Critique of Symbolism and Decadence: Tolstoy condemns modern movements like symbolism and decadence for their obscurity, artificiality, and moral decline.
  • Wagner as Counterfeit: He specifically criticizes Richard Wagner’s operas as masterful counterfeits, relying on spectacle and novelty rather than genuine feeling.
  • Examples of True Art: Tolstoy praises simple, sincere works such as folk songs, children’s stories, and certain novels by Dickens and Dostoevsky.
  • Contrast with Popular Art: He contrasts the infectious joy of popular art with the sterile complexity of much upper-class and modern art.

What does Tolstoy envision for the future of art in "What Is Art?"?

  • Universal Accessibility: Art should be created by all gifted individuals, not just professionals, and be accessible to everyone through education.
  • New Content and Form: Future art will focus on feelings aligned with brotherly love and simple, everyday emotions, emphasizing clarity and universality.
  • Rejection of Professionalism: Artists will create out of inner need, not for profit, and art will cease to be a means of corruption or distraction.
  • Role in Social Progress: Art will serve as a unifying force, promoting peace and the moral development of humanity.

How does Tolstoy relate the roles of science and art in human progress in "What Is Art?"?

  • Interdependence of Science and Art: Tolstoy compares science and art to the lungs and heart, both essential for human progress.
  • Science Introduces Truths: Science brings new truths into consciousness, while art transfers these truths into feeling, making them part of lived experience.
  • Critique of Modern Science: He criticizes science that serves only curiosity or the status quo, arguing that it leads to false art.
  • Call for True Science and Art: Both should be guided by the religious consciousness of the time, working together to promote brotherly union and the well-being of all.

What are the best quotes from "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy and what do they mean?

  • "Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that others are infected by these feelings and also experience them." This quote encapsulates Tolstoy’s definition of art as the sincere transmission of feeling.
  • "The more we give ourselves to beauty, the more removed we are from the good." Tolstoy warns against prioritizing beauty over moral values, emphasizing the ethical purpose of art.
  • "If the majority of men do not understand or feel what passes for art in their society, it is not because they are uneducated, but because this art is bad." He insists that true art must be accessible and understandable to all.
  • "Science gives man the knowledge of life, art gives him the meaning of life." This highlights the complementary roles of science and art in human development.
  • "The business of art consists precisely in making understandable and accessible that which might be incomprehensible and inaccessible in the form of reasoning." Tolstoy stresses art’s power to communicate complex truths through feeling.

Review Summary

3.72 out of 5
Average of 3k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

What Is Art? is a controversial work by Tolstoy that challenges conventional views on art. He argues that true art should be accessible to all, convey universal feelings, and promote Christian values. Tolstoy rejects much of classical and contemporary art as elitist and morally corrupt. While some readers appreciate his critique of commercialization and social inequality in art, others find his views extreme and dismissive of great works. The book stimulates debate on art's purpose and value in society, though Tolstoy's arguments are often seen as flawed or outdated.

Your rating:
4.31
38 ratings

About the Author

Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy was a renowned Russian novelist, best known for his masterpieces War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Later in life, he underwent a spiritual transformation, becoming a Christian anarchist and moral philosopher. Tolstoy developed a radical interpretation of Jesus' teachings, advocating for nonviolent resistance and asceticism. His ideas influenced key 20th-century figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Tolstoy's complex personality and extreme moralistic views often contrasted with his earlier literary works, making him a paradoxical and influential figure in both literature and social reform movements.

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