How did Tolstoy arrive at his pacifist philosophy?
My pacifism emerged from a deep, internal struggle and a rigorous examination of Christ's Gospel. I found the teachings of nonviolence and love for one's enemies to be the absolute core of Christianity. The hypocrisy of professing Christian belief while participating in wars and state-sanctioned violence became unbearable. Reason and my conscience demanded that I reject all participation in bloodshed and coercion.
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