On 13 December 2025, the fourth lecture of the series “Myths about Tolstoy” will take place. It will be devoted to Leo Tolstoy’s views on scientific and technological progress. The speaker will be Olga Alferova, an expert in the study and popularization of cultural heritage objects of the memorial house of L. N. Tolstoy. The lecture will be held at the cultural and exhibition centre “L. N. T.”
At the lecture “The Myth of Rejection: How Did Tolstoy View Progress?” visitors will learn what exactly attracted the writer in the latest inventions, and what he categorically rejected. Leo Tolstoy believed that the path of industrial progress followed by many nations hindered the spiritual development of the individual. At the same time, the writer showed keen interest in many technical novelties of his time. Among the most striking examples are his eternal pen, pencil-sharpening machine, pencil with electric illumination, and the famous phonograph.
Visitors will learn about the principle of operation of this sound-recording device, invented by Thomas Edison. They will also see a phonograph horn and a wax cylinder — the audio medium used for the device. These items are kept in the Tolstoy House and cannot be seen during a traditional tour. Olga Alferova will speak about how the phonograph appeared in Yasnaya Polyana, how often the writer used it, and which recordings have survived to this day.
At the lecture “The Myth of Rejection: How Did Tolstoy View Progress?” visitors will learn what exactly attracted the writer in the latest inventions, and what he categorically rejected. Leo Tolstoy believed that the path of industrial progress followed by many nations hindered the spiritual development of the individual. At the same time, the writer showed keen interest in many technical novelties of his time. Among the most striking examples are his eternal pen, pencil-sharpening machine, pencil with electric illumination, and the famous phonograph.
Visitors will learn about the principle of operation of this sound-recording device, invented by Thomas Edison. They will also see a phonograph horn and a wax cylinder — the audio medium used for the device. These items are kept in the Tolstoy House and cannot be seen during a traditional tour. Olga Alferova will speak about how the phonograph appeared in Yasnaya Polyana, how often the writer used it, and which recordings have survived to this day.
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