What Does a Human Live By? (Book)

What Is Man Living By? is a collection of short stories by Russian author Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, centered on moral and human values. Published by İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları as part of the Hasan Âli Yücel Classics Series, the book consists of narratives reflecting the author’s Christian ethical and spiritual worldview. It has been translated into Turkish by Sabri Gürses.

The work is composed of short stories that examine the true needs of human life within the framework of values such as kindness, compassion, and faith. In these stories, which describe the spiritual growth and inner transformation of individuals, Tolstoy presents a philosophical approach to the meaning of life. The title story, “What Is Man Living By?”, explores the theme that the most important gift God has given to humanity is love.

The story that gives the book its title recounts the three fundamental truths learned by Mikhail, who is sent to earth as an angel. These truths are that man lives by love, that it is impossible to know what should be given to a person, and that man lives not for himself but for others.

Through the life of a man who loses his wealth, the story addresses the transience of worldly possessions and the idea that true peace depends on spiritual values.

Using a small candle burning in a church, the story draws attention to the importance of humility and faith in human life.

Through the tragic fate of a peasant driven by greed for land, the story reveals the disaster caused by ambition and insatiable desire.

Tolstoy employs a simple and instructive language, adopting a narrative style that directly conveys moral values. The stories are written in a plain, accessible manner and contain universal messages. The author constructs structures from which moral lessons can be drawn.

Tolstoy focuses in his works on the inner world, conscience, and spiritual development of human beings. In “What Is Man Living By?”, he places religious and moral values at the forefront, emphasizing that people can attain happiness through spiritual values rather than worldly achievements. The author treats the individual’s responsibility toward society and their faith in God as a guiding principle.