The exploration of the nature of art, questioning traditional definitions and societal perceptions. It critically examines how art is produced and consumed, highlighting the economic inequalities that support "upper-class" art and the potential for a more universal artistic expression. The author asserts that true art lies in its ability to genuinely evoke feelings in others, contrasting this with what is deemed "counterfeit" art, which often relies on borrowed themes, artificial effects, or intellectual puzzles rather than genuine emotion. The discussion also explores the role of religion and morality in shaping artistic values, ultimately suggesting that art's purpose should be to unite humanity through shared emotions derived from a contemporary understanding of human brotherhood.

Original documents by

WHAT IS ART? BY LEO TOLSTOY

https://dn790001.ca.archive.org/0/items/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft.pdf

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Additional sources (FAQ, Briefing Doc)

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AZRamTYWSyS5tJ0jCez9Y2V8v4hfVuZd/view?usp=sharing