In the later years of his life, Tolstoy worked and reworked this collection of quotations and his own life advice, designed to be read one day at a time for a calendar year, and he considered it his greatest work. The quotes come from the Bible, the Talmud, Buddhist wisdom, politicians, philosophers, and artists. The life advice is pure Tolstoy (anti-war, pro-vegetarian, anti-elite, pro-spirituality, etc.). Each day follows a theme, and the bit that Tolstoy considered the most important is italicized. In the original version, there was a short story that accompanied the entries for each week of the year -- sadly those were not included with this reprinted version. While I don't agree with all his exhortations, I found this to be a pretty enjoyable way to spend a few minutes every morning. Hilariously, in his preface to the book, Tolstoy notes that future translators should NOT go back to the sources he quotes and translate from the originals -- they should just translate his sometimes rather loose interpretations of the source text. ( )

Finished this on December 31, 2018. I liked it so much I decided on a redo for 2019. The title is perfect. My daily visit to this does "nourish my soul". ( )

I recently re-acquired this book, and have gained even more from it than the first time I read it. While I read it straight through this time, I am now going back and reading it daily as it is intended.

It is meant to be read daily, to consider universal spiritual ideas as you go through your day. Tolstoy considered this book his most important work, and I can understand why. ( )

My sister gifted me this for Christmas and I have been reading it every day since. Such an inspirational read. Great gift for yourself and others. ( )

I love this book. Incorporating these passages of wisdom into my day always makes them better. I feel like my mind has grown since reading this! ( )