This ground-breaking discussion of the principals of nonviolence exerted a powerful influence on the 20th century and beyond. Written as an extension of his book, “What I Believe”, Tolstoy answers his critics and extends his political and philosophical arguments. He details his awakening to the Quaker movement as well as his correspondence with the son of William Lloyd Garrison, who tells him of his father’s work to emancipate enslaved people through non-resistance. Tolstoy develops his political and spiritual arguments through their input and addresses the wider significance of non-violence against repressive regimes.

It is satisfying that Gandhi was able to tell Tolstoy of his profound influence on him before Tolstoy’s death and let him know about the great work he had begun as a result. Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired in turn by Gandhi. The seeds were planted. This book’s core logic starts a chain reaction of insight and inspiration that echoes through us today.