The Census in Moscow

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tolstoy, Leo, graf, 1828-1910

Contributor:

Hapgood, Isabel Florence, 1850-1928

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Census in Moscow" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a sociological essay written in the late 19th century. The work critiques the process of collecting census data in Moscow, highlighting the necessity of understanding human suffering and the moral obligations that come with such investigations. This text serves as both a call to action and a reflection on the role of society in addressing poverty and inequality. In this essay, Tolstoy emphasizes that the census should not merely serve as a statistical exercise but rather as an opportunity for genuine human connection and altruistic action. He argues that those conducting the census must engage compassionately with the individuals they survey, particularly the impoverished. Through vivid anecdotes and a focus on social responsibility, Tolstoy calls upon the wealthy and educated citizens of Moscow to recognize their shared humanity with the poor. He posits that true assistance lies not in the mere distribution of money but in forming meaningful connections and actively working to alleviate suffering within the community. By doing so, he suggests, the census can transform from a cold calculation into a powerful means of societal healing and reform. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Transcribed from the 1887 Tomas Y. Crowell "What to do?" edition by David Price

Notes:

From "What to do?"

Reading ease score: 62.6 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2002-11-01