The story revolves around a young nobleman who becomes disillusioned with the societal norms and expectations placed upon him. He rejects his family's wealth and status, choosing instead to live a simple life of poverty and self-sufficiency. He moves to a remote area where he lives off the land, relying on his own labor for survival. This decision is motivated by a desire to escape the superficiality and materialism of society, as well as to find spiritual fulfillment through manual labor. As he settles into his new life, he begins to experience a sense of inner peace and contentment that eludes him in his previous existence. However, this newfound happiness is short-lived, as he soon becomes aware of the harsh realities of poverty and the difficulties of living off the land. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his ideals and continues to live according to his principles. Through his experiences, he comes to realize that true freedom and happiness can only be achieved through a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and spiritual fulfillment.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1857 · Genre: Fable, Science, Adventure · 3 chapters