The Role of Public Opinion and Moral Progress

Tolstoy believes that the acceptance of the Christian conception of life, particularly non-resistance, will emancipate humanity from the miseries of a life based on force. He argues that moral progress is achieved not only through individual recognition of the truth but also through the establishment of a public opinion that supports these values. Tolstoy envisions a society where the Christian principles of love, forgiveness, and non-violence are upheld, leading to the eventual end of war and violence. 'The existing order is maintained, not by force, but by public opinion, the action of which is disturbed by the use of force,' he asserts.