Sofia tolstoy biography

"Fear of madness is so great that I cannot overcome it. Such personalities as mine, which cannot be broken by physical strain, break down mentally." "I believe that there are obligations which are ordained by God, that no one has the right to deny them, and that these obligations actually promote, rather than hinder, the spiritual life." She believed looking after one's family was a godly responsibility.

"There are always plenty of opportunities for grief in our life. The question is whether we have the strength to survive them and control ourselves." "I was wondering today why there were no women writers, artists or composers of genius.

It's because all the passion and all the abilities of an energetic woman are consumed by her family... When she has finished bearing and educating her children, her artistic needs awaken, but by then it's too late." "Life is energy and struggle, constantly changing feelings, the ebb and flow of good and e