Rising to literary acclaim in for his semi-autobiographical trilogy "Childhood", "Boyhood", and "Youth" published between 1852 to 1856, Count Leo Tolstoy soon became hailed as one of the greatest figures of literary realism for his magnum opus "War and Peace" in 1869, followed by the equally iconic "Anna Karenina" eight years later. A Christian Anarchist and a dedicated advocate of non-violent resistance as reflected in his philosophical treatise "The Kingdom of God Is Within You", Tolstoy's legacy and writings inspired pivotal 20th-century figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi. Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, 1902, and 1910, along with receiving multiple considerations for The Nobel Prize in Literature between the years of 1902 to 1906, here are five of the most profound quotes delivered by the greatest humanitarian, and perhaps the greatest writer of his age:

While Tolstoy no longer remains to help us seek that which forever remains elusive, his works, his stories, his books remain. To draw us closer even as we remain far. To love even as our hearts break further. To smile even as much happiness now mingles with grief. Even as the last tear shed falls. Its stain on the ground marking the set of sorrow, and first glimmers of possibility -- for a day made brighter by laughter.