Tolstoy letter to Swedes

Letter to Swedish scientists, writers and artists
by Leo Tolstoy

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Written in 1902, after a group of Swedish scientists, writers and artists expressed dismay that Tolstoy had not been awarded a Nobel Prize. Translated by Vladimir G. Tchertkoff and A.C. Fifield

117949Letter to Swedish scientists, writers and artistsLeo Tolstoy

Gentlemen,

The fact that the Nobel Prize was not accorded to me was doubly pleasant: first, because it saved me from the painful necessity of dealing in some way with money, - generally regarded as very necessary and useful, but which I regard as the source of every kind of evil; and secondly, because it has afforded to people whom I respect, the opportunity of expressing their sympathy with me, for which I thank you all from my heart.