Inevitability of Moral Progress

Humanity is undergoing an inevitable historical transition from a pagan, social life-conception to a higher, Christian one, driven by both spiritual awakening and the unbearable contradictions of the old order.

Tolstoy suggests that the contradiction of universal military service will inevitably lead humanity to recognize the need for a new, nonviolent social order.

Tolstoy argues that humanity inevitably moves toward Christianity through both conscious adoption and unconscious processes, such as the softening of rulers in power, making moral progress unavoidable.

The chapter asserts that Christian public opinion is gradually and inevitably replacing pagan public opinion, leading to the dissolution of violent institutions without struggle.