Tolstoy’s Lesson on How to Change the World
Posted under: I love Tolstoy. Partly because my son was born in the same town as the venerable Russian author. Partly because his stories are just so darn good. (Who doesn’t love, “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”)
In Thinking for a Change, John Maxwell highlighted one of Tolstoy’s thoughts as a pullquote. I thought it was worth repeating here:
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
It reminds me of a time in college. Pete Sampras has won the U.S. Open for the zillionth time — by the time he was 21 years old. My college roommate and I had telepathic thoughts: We’re 21 years old. What have we accomplished? Nothing!
I’ve thought back at that moment in my life often, especially during those times when I haven’t accomplished anything BIG. As I lurk closer to forty years old, the most important lesson I’m trying to learn is what Tolstoy had already figured out. You can’t change anything until you’re willing to change yourself.
Pay attention to the little things like your values, relationships, and God. When you’re on your solid foundation, you’ll be able to grow — as a writer, as a spouse, as a parent. As a human being.
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