In 'The Relations of the Sexes,' Leo Tolstoy delves into a critical examination of societal beliefs concerning sexual intercourse and moral health. Tolstoy contests the widely accepted notion, purported by what he deems 'false science,' that sexual relations are essential to one's well-being regardless of the marital context. With its provocative and unflinching prose, the essay confronts the consequences of this conviction, from parents seemingly encouraged to guide their children into vice, to governments engaging in the systematic regulation of prostitution. This essay is woven into the larger tapestry of Tolstoy's philosophical and moralistic themes, reflecting his perennial concern with the ethical underpinnings of society and the individual's conduct within it. Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, renowned for his monumental novels 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina,' brings to 'The Relations of the Sexes' his signature introspective style coupled with a deep commitment to social and moral reform. His extensive experience and observations of the repercussions stemming from institutional attitudes towards sexuality provide a grim but well-articulated argument. Tolstoy's historical context, coupled with his own personal struggles with spirituality and morality, sheds light on his motives for tackling such controversial subject matter, prompting readers to reconsider their long-held beliefs against a backdrop of Tolstoy's existential ponderings. 'The Relations of the Sexes' is recommended for those who seek not only to understand the philosophical perspective of one of the 19th century's greatest writers but also for readers willing to engage with challenging ideas about morality and societal norms. Tolstoy issues a clarion call to question and potentially reform the ethical standards that underpin private and public life. This essay is a requisite read for both scholars of Russian literature and individuals interested in the crossroads of historical social critique and moral philosophy.
