Tolstoy delves into the pervasive hypocrisy that permeates modern society, particularly among the affluent and powerful. He argues that many individuals, especially those in positions of authority or wealth, engage in actions that are fundamentally at odds with Christian and moral principles. For instance, merchants and manufacturers often exploit workers and engage in dishonest practices, yet they are seen as virtuous if they donate a fraction of their wealth to public institutions. 'It is not theft nor robbery nor murder nor fornication, but Falsehood, the special Falsehood of hypocrisy, which corrupts men, brutalizes them and makes them vindictive,' he critiques.