On the Significance of Science and Art

For some, it is a four-letter word. But for Leo Tolstoy, "work" is one of the main reasons that we are here.The author and philosopher urges us to comply with the "eternal law of humanity" - to "labour with our whole being, feeling no shame at any sort of work".It's one in the eye for the idle rich and those who look down on low-paid jobs.And it is at the heart of a wide-ranging essay on the purpose of art and science.Parts of the book and Tolstoy's conclusions have been superseded by scientific advances, but much of it is almost prophetic.As we embrace working from home, portfolio careers and uncertainty, his thoughts retain their currency.Tolstoy weaves his thoughts on 19th century art and science onto a backdrop of thousands of years of philosophy.-