Leo Tolstoy

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Leverage Universal Truths for Influence

  Mindset

  Concepts that reduce suffering and promote universal love can transcend cultural and religious boundaries to influence global movements.

  Source Wikipedia: Leo Tolstoy  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on internal moral restraint

  Leadership

  External social order is fragile without individual moral principles; when leaders act without restraint, the public follows suit.

  Supporting quotes

  • “"What a pity it is that so much strength is wasted uselessly!" said I. "How people like you destroy your own lives!...”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Acknowledge the inequality of conditions

  Resilience

  Success and health are not just about personal strength but also the environment and resources available to a person.

  Source Three Days in the Village, and Other Sketches.: Written from September 1909 to July 1910.  (opens in a new tab)

• Recognize Hidden Systems of Slavery

  Integrity

  One must look past legal definitions to see if their wealth or business model relies on the indirect exploitation of others' basic needs.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Three Days in the Village, and Other Sketches.: Written from September 1909 to July 1910.  (opens in a new tab)

• Avoid unnecessary complexity

  Management

  Leaders often try to solve problems by imitating foreign models or creating complex bureaucracies that are unnecessary for the people. Simple, common-sense solutions rooted in morality are often more effective than 'queer' technical innovations.

  Supporting quotes

  • “all who live on the earth cannot but have an equal right to its use.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Dignity through self-reliance

  Mindset

  True confidence and pride come from managing one's own affairs and earning a living through hard work from a young age.

  Supporting quotes

  • “A Russian is hardly ever alone. If he is doing something wrong, he may perhaps say "I"; otherwise it is always "we" the family, "we" the _artél_, "we" the Commune.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Align Actions with Inner Truth

  Mindset

  A leader must act when staying in the current position becomes morally impossible, even if it requires a painful departure from established structures.

  Source The Last Days of Tolstoy  (opens in a new tab)