What Is Art?

: "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy is a deep study into the role of art, questioning its true purpose and worth within society. Tolstoy looks closely at the moral effects of art and asks if it really meets people's spiritual and emotional needs. The book thinks about the differences between different types of art and what role art should have in our lives, aiming to define art’s effect on our shared feelings and moral growth. Tolstoy begins by questioning the common beliefs about art, suggesting that a lot of what we consider art might be shallow or even damaging. Drawing from his own life and what he’s seen in the art world, he points out the often tough and dehumanizing work that goes into creating art, like opera rehearsals. He encourages us to rethink what art is and to see it as a way to connect emotionally and improve society, instead of just a way to please ourselves or cater to the elite. Through this exploration, he prepares us for a detailed examination of what real art is and how it can help make humanity better.