What Men Live By
Leo Tolstoy, 1828 - 1910
Лев Николаевич Толстой (Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy)
Published 1885
In this moving tale, a poor shoemaker named Simon encounters a mysterious, naked man shivering in the cold. Moved by compassion, Simon takes him in, clothes him, and gives him work. This stranger, Michael, turns out to be more than he seems—an angel sent to Earth to learn three profound truths about humanity. Through a series of heartfelt encounters, Tolstoy weaves a story of kindness, sacrifice, and revelation, exploring what truly sustains us. It is a beautifully crafted story, that with a blend of simplicity and wisdom, leaves one pondering life’s deeper meaning.