Mitä Meidän Siis on Tekeminen?

A philosophical essay written in the early 20th century. In this work, Tolstoy explores themes of social justice, poverty, and the moral responsibilities of individuals towards those in need. The narrative focuses on the author's observations regarding urban poverty in Moscow and reflects a deep questioning of societal norms and personal conscience. At the start of the essay, Tolstoy shares his firsthand experiences with the plight of the urban poor in Moscow after migrating from the countryside. He describes encounters with beggars, the enforcement of laws against begging, and the stark contrast between the lives of the affluent and the destitute. Through these observations, Tolstoy delves into the moral dilemmas faced by the wealthy and the necessity of seeking genuine connections with those suffering, ultimately grappling with the implications of wealth and the need for empathy and action toward alleviating the suffering of others.