In a thought-provoking essay titled “Why Do Men Stupefy Themselves?”, Leo Tolstoy examines the deeper psychological and philosophical aspects of substance abuse and addiction. He explores the reasons why people resort to alcohol and drugs, highlighting the need to escape one’s conscience and the dissonance between one’s animal instincts and spiritual being. Tolstoy argues that substance abuse is not only about pleasure or recreation but also about hiding from moral responsibility. He observes how alcohol and drugs can stifle the voice of conscience and lead people to commit actions they wouldn’t consider when sober. Tolstoy also addresses how society often turns a blind eye to the detrimental effects of substance abuse when no crimes are committed. Overall, Tolstoy’s essay offers compassionate insights into the complex motivations behind substance abuse.
https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/12/30/why-do-men-stupefy-themselves-leo-tolstoy/