Leon Tolstoy: 'He never chooses an opinion; he just wears whatever happens to be in style.'

He never chooses an opinion; he just wears whatever happens to be in style.

In Leon Tolstoy's quote, "He never chooses an opinion; he just wears whatever happens to be in style," we can discern a straightforward message about the nature of adopting opinions. Essentially, Tolstoy suggests that some individuals lack the critical thinking skills or personal conviction to form their own opinions. Instead, they simply conform to the popular viewpoints of their time, wearing these opinions like fashionable accessories. This quote highlights the importance of independent thought and the dangers of blindly following trends.However, let us delve deeper into this quote and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that will bring both interest and intrigue to the article. This concept is the notion of existentialism, which challenges the idea that individuals should conform to societal expectations and predefined opinions.Existentialism, a philosophical movement prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries, puts forth the belief that individuals have complete freedom and responsibility over their own lives and the opinions they hold. According to existentialists, true authenticity and personal fulfillment can only be attained by embracing this freedom and making conscious choices, even if they diverge from societal norms.Drawing upon this concept, we can compare and contrast Tolstoy's quote with the philosophy of existentialism. Whereas Tolstoy's quote portrays those who adopt opinions without personal reflection as mere followers of fashion, existentialism suggests that true individuals reject conformity and instead persevere in their pursuit of genuine self-expression.Tolstoy's perspective on opinion formation resonates with the notion that societal trends and influences often wield significant power over individual thinking. In an age dominated by media, social platforms, and influential figures, there is a prevalent tendency to adopt opinions that align with popular culture or the prevailing narrative. Tolstoy's words serve as a reminder that it is crucial to question and evaluate the opinions we hold, rather than succumbing to the current of public opinion.In contrast, existentialism encourages us to challenge societal conventions and examine our own values and beliefs. Existentialists argue that the authentic life requires individuals to confront the anguish and uncertainty that comes with embracing their own unique perspective. It is in this authentic confrontation that true freedom lies, unencumbered by the pressure of external influences. While Tolstoy's quote suggests a passive acceptance of fashionable opinions, existentialism urges us to actively engage in the process of self-discovery, reflection, and authentic opinion formation.The importance of Tolstoy's quote is thus rooted in the invitation it extends to individuals to take ownership of their own opinions and resist the allure of conformity. However, when viewed through the lens of existentialism, we realize that the quote can also be seen as a call to action, prompting us to examine the motives behind our own opinions and the depth of our self-awareness.Ultimately, Tolstoy's quote, though seemingly straightforward, opens the door to a broader philosophical discussion on the significance of authenticity and self-expression. It reminds us of the danger in passively adopting opinions solely for their popularity, but also invites us to explore existentialist concepts that push us to embrace our individuality and actively shape our own perspectives. By engaging in this reflection, we can liberate ourselves from the chains of societal conformity, empowering us to live a life more true to ourselves and our own values.