Tolstoy’s insight draws clear parallels to Socrates, whose famous declaration, ‘I know that I know nothing’ (*Apology*, c. 399 BC), underpins much of Western philosophy. Socratic wisdom emphasizes recognizing one’s own limitations as the first step to true understanding. In the *Republic*, Plato illustrates how only those aware of their ignorance can pursue genuine enlightenment, creating a lasting philosophical tradition reverberating through Tolstoy’s words. [...]
