# The Value of Simple Life in A Confession

> Theme guide for A Confession by Leo Tolstoy.

Tolstoy finds meaning not in intellectual or artistic pursuits, but in observing and eventually embracing the humble, laborious, and faith-filled life of ordinary working people.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/xi): Working people who produce sustenance for all are portrayed as happy and reasonable, in contrast to the narrator's former life.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/xiii): The narrator rejects the parasitic life of his circle and turns to the simple laboring folk, whose faith and way of life provide a meaningful answer to life's questions.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/xiv): The narrator is drawn to the illiterate peasant's faith and the stories of ignorant, stupid men who are saved, valuing simplicity over learned doctrine.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/themes/the_value_of_simple_life
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/themes