Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer and philosopher, born on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of all time, and his works, such as "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," are regarded as masterpieces of literature. Tolstoy's writing explored the complexities of human relationships, the nature of society, and the search for meaning in life. He was also deeply interested in moral and ethical questions, and his philosophical works, such as "The Kingdom of God is Within You," had a profound influence on figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Tolstoy was a controversial figure in his time, and his ideas often put him at odds with the Russian Orthodox Church and the Tsarist government. He advocated for non-violent resistance and pacifism, and his political views led to his excommunication from the Church. Tolstoy died on November 20, 1910, at the age of 82, at Antipolo train station in Russia, while on a pilgrimage. His legacy continues to influence literature and philosophy to this day.