What Shall We Do?

In What Shall We Do? Leo Tolstoy presents a reflective essay that delves into the social injustices and disparities faced by the poor in Moscow. Written in the late 19th century, the work critiques the moral implications of wealth and the suffering endured by those in poverty. Tolstoy describes his shock upon encountering the severe destitution around him, particularly the beggars who navigate the streets in desperate circumstances. The law prohibiting begging highlights the stark divide between society's privileges and the plight of the disenfranchised. As Tolstoy documents the lives of the homeless, he emphasizes the lack of compassion in a city filled with resources. Through these observations, the essay explores the responsibility of individuals to address social inequalities and the ethical duty to foster compassion and justice in the face of systemic exploitation. The essay sets the stage for a broader discussion on wealth, morality, and societal change, urging a reconsideration of values and actions to alleviate the suffering of the marginalized.