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Spotlight_podcasts_2, Where There is Life

Where There is Life

Voice 1

Welcome to Spotlight.

I'm Robin Basselin. Voice 2

And I'm Ryan Geertsma.

Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. Voice 3

"A question brought me to the point of ending my life when I was fifty years old.

My question was the most simple one that lies in every person...It is the question without which life is impossible: Why do I live? Why do I wish for anything, or do anything?...Is there anything in my life that will not be destroyed by my death? Voice 1

These are the words of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.

Like Tolstoy, many people ask these difficult questions. And they struggle to find meaning in their life. Tolstoy spent his whole life trying to answer difficult questions like these. His search for answers influenced his writing. Today's Spotlight is on Leo Tolstoy, his faith and his writings. Voice 2

On August 28th, 1828 Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy was born in the country of Russia.

Both of his parents died while he was still a child. He and his brothers and sisters lived with other family members for the rest of their childhoods. Voice 1

As a child, Tolstoy was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church*.

But as a young man, he began to question that faith. Tolstoy wanted to make his own moral decisions; he was tired of being told what to believe. He thought people could achieve a degree of perfection - if they tried hard enough. So he worked very hard at being the best in everything he did. He thought that he would find meaning and truth in success. Voice 2

In the 1850s, Leo Tolstoy wrote his first stories.

He wrote about his experiences in the military. He also told stories about when he was a child. These works were published and Tolstoy became a well-known writer. Voice 1

Tolstoy was finally successful.

He earned the respect he always wanted. Many wealthy and intelligent men met and talked with Tolstoy. Some of the men were writers like him. They talked a lot about faith and the meaning of life. But soon Tolstoy recognized that these men were not perfect. They were proud and they made very bad moral choices. Tolstoy had thought these rich and powerful men could answer his questions about faith. Now he knew they could not. Voice 2

So in the 1860s, Tolstoy tried a different way to find meaning.

He opened a school for the children of his serfs - the people who worked on his land. These workers were very poor. He wanted to help them because he thought they were more honest than the wealthy people he knew. Voice 1

Tolstoy learned many things from his workers.

He respected how they worked hard to provide for their families. He began to believe that marriage and family would give his life meaning. So in 1862, Leo Tolstoy married a young woman named Sonya Bers. Voice 2

The next 15 years were the best years of Tolstoy's life.

It was during this time that he wrote his most famous books - "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." Many literature experts say that "War and Peace" is one of the greatest books ever written. Voice 1

Both "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" communicate Tolstoy's beliefs about the Russian nation, church and people.

They also communicate what he thought was the answer to all his questions. Tolstoy believed humans were supposed to live a simple life and take care of their families. Tolstoy thought this would satisfy him and bring him happiness. Voice 2

But after writing these books, Tolstoy entered into a dark depression.

He was very sad and lonely. He had achieved everything he wanted. He had a large family, a loving wife and all the respect and money he could ever want. But he could not help wondering if any of that would matter after his death. Leo Tolstoy began wondering if believing in God would answer his questions about life. For nine years he wrote only about faith and religion. Voice 1

These new beliefs changed the way Tolstoy thought about faith.

He rejected all systems of government and religion. But he did not resist these systems with violence. He wanted only to be left alone. Tolstoy tried to live with the poor and to give away all of his property and wealth. Voice 2

However, many people today believe Tolstoy did not live by his own teachings.

He would often fight with his wife and children. Tolstoy's new faith made him believe it was wrong to have a lot of money and nice things. But he was still very wealthy and owned a lot of property. His wife would not let him sell anything. Some experts believe Tolstoy did not really want to sacrifice any of his comfort and wealth for his faith. Voice 1

For the rest of his life Tolstoy's work was strongly influenced by his new beliefs.

Some of the best-known stories from this time in his life are, "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," and "Hadji Murat." These works are about how everyone comes to the same end in life. Tolstoy was very afraid of his own death. But he found peace in his faith. In his book, "Confession," he wrote about his different beliefs during his life and said, Voice 3

"I only lived during those times when I believed in God.

Voice 2

Many people followed Tolstoy's teachings about faith.

Some people saw him as a spiritual teacher. He felt even more pressure to live a moral and simple life. He would often take long trips to rest from his followers and his family. In fact, it was on one of these trips in 1910 that Leo Tolstoy became very sick and died. He was 82 years old. Voice 1

Leo Tolstoy is still a very respected writer today.

His faith and writings have influenced many people. Tolstoy's search for the meaning of life is something everyone can understand. His teachings still interest people all over the world. In his book "Confession" he encourages many people to ask the hard questions about life and faith. He says: Voice 3

"Where there is life there is faith.

Since the day Earth was created, faith made it possible for humans to live...Because faith gives a meaning to life that cannot be destroyed by suffering, poverty or death. Voice 2

Tolstoy's faith saved him from his depression.

He believed it gave meaning to being alive. Do you believe faith gives meaning to life? How would you answer some of Tolstoy's questions? Tell us what you think. You can email us atradio@english.net, or leave a comment on our website. Voice 1

The writer of this program was Corrie Haluga.

The producer was Ryan Geertsma. The voices you heard were from the United States and the United Kingdom. All quotes were adapted and voiced by Spotlight. You can find this program and others on our website athttp://www.radio.english.netThis .program is called "Where There Is Life." We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

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Where There is Life Wo es Leben gibt Donde hay vida Dove c'è vita Onde há vida Там, где есть жизнь Hayatın Olduğu Yerde 哪里有生命

Voice 1

Welcome to Spotlight.

I’m Robin Basselin. Voice 2

And I’m Ryan Geertsma.

Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. Voice 3

"A question brought me to the point of ending my life when I was fifty years old. „Otázka mě přivedla do bodu ukončení života, když mi bylo padesát let. 「質問があったので、私は50歳のときに人生を終えることになりました。

My question was the most simple one that lies in every person...It is the question without which life is impossible: Why do I live? Moje otázka byla ta nejjednodušší, která leží v každém člověku...Je to otázka, bez které je život nemožný: Proč žiju? 私の質問は、すべての人にある最も単純なものでした...それなしでは人生は不可能です:なぜ私は生きているのですか? 我的问题是每个人都存在的最简单的问题……没有这个问题,生活就不可能:我为什么活着? Why do I wish for anything, or do anything?...Is there anything in my life that will not be destroyed by my death? Proč si něco přeji, nebo cokoli dělám?...Je v mém životě něco, co moje smrt nezničí? なぜ私は何かを望んだり、何かをしたりするのでしょうか? ... 私の人生で、私の死によって破壊されないものはありますか? 为什么我要祈求什么,或做什么?……我的生命中有什么是不会因我的死亡而被摧毁的呢? Voice 1

These are the words of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.

Like Tolstoy, many people ask these difficult questions. And they struggle to find meaning in their life. A snaží se najít smysl svého života. Tolstoy spent his whole life trying to answer difficult questions like these. His search for answers influenced his writing. Jeho hledání odpovědí ovlivnilo jeho psaní. 彼の答えの探求は、彼の執筆に影響を与えました。 Today’s Spotlight is on Leo Tolstoy, his faith and his writings. Dnešní pozornost je věnována Lvu Tolstému, jeho víře a jeho spisům. Voice 2

On August 28th, 1828 Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy was born in the country of Russia.

Both of his parents died while he was still a child. He and his brothers and sisters lived with other family members for the rest of their childhoods. 彼と彼の兄弟姉妹は、残りの子供時代を他の家族と一緒に暮らしました。 Voice 1

As a child, Tolstoy was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church*. Jako dítě byl Tolstoj členem Ruské pravoslavné církve*.

But as a young man, he began to question that faith. Ale jako mladý muž začal tuto víru zpochybňovat. Tolstoy wanted to make his own moral decisions; he was tired of being told what to believe. Tolstoj chtěl dělat svá vlastní morální rozhodnutí; byl unavený z toho, že mu někdo říkal, čemu má věřit. トルストイは自分で道徳的な決定を下したかった。彼は何を信じるべきかを言われるのにうんざりしていました。 He thought people could achieve a degree of perfection - if they tried hard enough. Myslel si, že lidé mohou dosáhnout určitého stupně dokonalosti – pokud se budou dostatečně snažit. 彼は、十分に努力すれば、人はある程度の完成度を達成できると考えていました。 他认为人们可以达到一定程度的完美——如果他们足够努力的话。 So he worked very hard at being the best in everything he did. Takže velmi tvrdě pracoval na tom, aby byl nejlepší ve všem, co dělal. そのため、彼は自分が行うすべてのことで最高になるために一生懸命働きました。 He thought that he would find meaning and truth in success. Myslel si, že v úspěchu najde smysl a pravdu. 彼は、成功の中に意味と真実を見出すだろうと思っていました。 他认为他会在成功中找到意义和真理。 Voice 2

In the 1850s, Leo Tolstoy wrote his first stories.

He wrote about his experiences in the military. He also told stories about when he was a child. Vyprávěl také příběhy o tom, když byl dítě. These works were published and Tolstoy became a well-known writer. Tato díla byla vydána a Tolstoj se stal známým spisovatelem. Voice 1

Tolstoy was finally successful.

He earned the respect he always wanted. Získal si respekt, který vždy chtěl. 彼はいつも望んでいた尊敬を勝ち取りました。 Many wealthy and intelligent men met and talked with Tolstoy. 多くの裕福で知的な男性がトルストイと会って話しました。 Some of the men were writers like him. 男性の何人かは彼のような作家でした。 They talked a lot about faith and the meaning of life. 彼らは信仰と人生の意味についてたくさん話しました。 But soon Tolstoy recognized that these men were not perfect. They were proud and they made very bad moral choices. Byli hrdí a dělali velmi špatná morální rozhodnutí. 彼らはプライドが高く、非常に悪い道徳的選択をしました。 Tolstoy had thought these rich and powerful men could answer his questions about faith. トルストイは、これらの裕福で力のある人々が信仰に関する彼の質問に答えることができると考えていました。 Now he knew they could not. Teď věděl, že nemohou. Voice 2

So in the 1860s, Tolstoy tried a different way to find meaning.

He opened a school for the children of his serfs - the people who worked on his land. 彼は農奴の子供たち、つまり彼の土地で働く人々のために学校を開きました。 These workers were very poor. He wanted to help them because he thought they were more honest than the wealthy people he knew. Chtěl jim pomoci, protože si myslel, že jsou čestnější než bohatí lidé, které znal. Voice 1

Tolstoy learned many things from his workers. Tolstoj se od svých dělníků naučil mnoho věcí. トルストイは労働者から多くのことを学びました。

He respected how they worked hard to provide for their families. Respektoval, jak tvrdě pracovali, aby zabezpečili své rodiny. 家族を養うために懸命に働く彼らの姿に敬意を表しました。 He began to believe that marriage and family would give his life meaning. Začal věřit, že manželství a rodina dají jeho životu smysl. 彼は、結婚と家族が自分の人生に意味を与えると信じ始めました。 So in 1862, Leo Tolstoy married a young woman named Sonya Bers. Voice 2

The next 15 years were the best years of Tolstoy’s life.

It was during this time that he wrote his most famous books - "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." 彼が最も有名な本「戦争と平和」と「アンナ・カレーニナ」を書いたのはこの時期でした。 Many literature experts say that "War and Peace" is one of the greatest books ever written. Mnoho odborníků na literaturu říká, že „Válka a mír“ je jednou z největších knih, které kdy byly napsány. Voice 1

Both "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" communicate Tolstoy’s beliefs about the Russian nation, church and people. "Válka a mír" a "Anna Karenina" sdělují Tolstého přesvědčení o ruském národu, církvi a lidech. 「戦争と平和」と「アンナ・カレーニナ」はどちらも、ロシアの国家、教会、人々に対するトルストイの信念を伝えています。

They also communicate what he thought was the answer to all his questions. Sdělují také to, co považoval za odpověď na všechny jeho otázky. 彼らはまた、彼のすべての質問に対する答えであると彼が考えたことを伝えます. Tolstoy believed humans were supposed to live a simple life and take care of their families. Tolstoj věřil, že lidé by měli žít jednoduchý život a starat se o své rodiny. トルストイは、人間はシンプルな生活を送り、家族を養うべきだと信じていました。 Tolstoy thought this would satisfy him and bring him happiness. Tolstoj si myslel, že ho to uspokojí a přinese mu štěstí. トルストイは、これが彼を満足させ、彼に幸せをもたらすだろうと考えました。 Voice 2

But after writing these books, Tolstoy entered into a dark depression. Ale po napsání těchto knih se Tolstoj dostal do temné deprese. しかし、これらの本を書いた後、トルストイは暗いうつ病に陥りました。

He was very sad and lonely. Byl velmi smutný a osamělý. He had achieved everything he wanted. Dosáhl všeho, co chtěl. 彼は自分が望んでいたすべてを達成しました。 He had a large family, a loving wife and all the respect and money he could ever want. Měl velkou rodinu, milující manželku a všechnu úctu a peníze, jaké si kdy mohl přát. But he could not help wondering if any of that would matter after his death. Ale nemohl se ubránit otázce, jestli na něčem z toho bude záležet po jeho smrti. しかし、彼の死後、それが重要になるかどうか疑問に思わずにはいられませんでした。 Leo Tolstoy began wondering if believing in God would answer his questions about life. Lev Tolstoj začal přemýšlet, zda víra v Boha odpoví na jeho otázky o životě. レオ・トルストイは、神を信じることが人生についての彼の疑問に答えてくれるのではないかと考え始めました。 For nine years he wrote only about faith and religion. Voice 1

These new beliefs changed the way Tolstoy thought about faith. Tato nová přesvědčení změnila způsob, jakým Tolstoj přemýšlel o víře. これらの新しい信念は、トルストイの信仰に対する考え方を変えました。

He rejected all systems of government and religion. Odmítl všechny systémy vlády a náboženství. 彼は政府と宗教のすべてのシステムを拒否しました。 But he did not resist these systems with violence. Ale těmto systémům neodporoval násilím. しかし、彼は暴力でこれらのシステムに抵抗しませんでした。 He wanted only to be left alone. Chtěl jen zůstat sám. Tolstoy tried to live with the poor and to give away all of his property and wealth. Tolstoj se snažil žít s chudými a rozdávat všechen svůj majetek a bohatství. Voice 2

However, many people today believe Tolstoy did not live by his own teachings. Mnoho lidí však dnes věří, že Tolstoj nežil podle svého vlastního učení. しかし、今日、多くの人々は、トルストイが自分の教えに従って生きていなかったと信じています。

He would often fight with his wife and children. Často se hádal se svou ženou a dětmi. Tolstoy’s new faith made him believe it was wrong to have a lot of money and nice things. Tolstého nová víra ho přiměla uvěřit, že mít hodně peněz a hezké věci je špatné. トルストイの新しい信念は、たくさんのお金と素敵なものを持つことは間違っていると彼に信じさせました. But he was still very wealthy and owned a lot of property. Ale stále byl velmi bohatý a vlastnil spoustu majetku. His wife would not let him sell anything. Jeho žena mu nedovolila nic prodat. 彼の妻は彼に何も売らせませんでした。 Some experts believe Tolstoy did not really want to sacrifice any of his comfort and wealth for his faith. Někteří odborníci se domnívají, že Tolstoj ve skutečnosti nechtěl obětovat nic ze svého pohodlí a bohatství pro svou víru. 一部の専門家は、トルストイは自分の信仰のために自分の快適さと富を犠牲にすることを本当に望んでいなかったと信じています。 Voice 1

For the rest of his life Tolstoy’s work was strongly influenced by his new beliefs. Po zbytek svého života Tolstého dílo silně ovlivnilo jeho nové přesvědčení. 残りの人生で、トルストイの作品は彼の新しい信念に強く影響されました。

Some of the best-known stories from this time in his life are, "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," and "Hadji Murat." Některé z nejznámějších příběhů z této doby jeho života jsou „Smrt Ivana Iljiče“ a „Hadji Murat“. 彼の人生でこの時期の最も有名な物語は、「イヴァン・イリイチの死」と「ハジ・ムラト」です。 These works are about how everyone comes to the same end in life. Tato díla jsou o tom, jak všichni dojdou v životě ke stejnému konci. これらの作品は、誰もが人生で同じ目的を達成する方法についてです。 Tolstoy was very afraid of his own death. But he found peace in his faith. Ve své víře však našel mír. In his book, "Confession," he wrote about his different beliefs during his life and said, 彼の著書「告白」の中で、彼は生涯のさまざまな信念について書き、次のように述べています。 Voice 3

"I only lived during those times when I believed in God. „Žil jsem jen v dobách, kdy jsem věřil v Boha. 「私が生きたのは、神を信じていた時代だけでした。

Voice 2

Many people followed Tolstoy’s teachings about faith. 多くの人が信仰に関するトルストイの教えに従いました。

Some people saw him as a spiritual teacher. 一部の人々は、彼をスピリチュアルな教師と見なしていました。 He felt even more pressure to live a moral and simple life. Cítil ještě větší tlak, aby vedl morální a jednoduchý život. 彼は、道徳的で質素な生活をしなければならないというプレッシャーをさらに感じていました。 He would often take long trips to rest from his followers and his family. Často podnikal dlouhé cesty, aby si odpočinul od svých následovníků a své rodiny. Er unternahm oft lange Reisen, um sich von seinen Anhängern und seiner Familie zu erholen. 彼は、信者や家族から離れて休むために、しばしば長い旅をしました。 In fact, it was on one of these trips in 1910 that Leo Tolstoy became very sick and died. Ve skutečnosti právě na jedné z těchto cest v roce 1910 Leo Tolstoj velmi onemocněl a zemřel. He was 82 years old. Voice 1

Leo Tolstoy is still a very respected writer today.

His faith and writings have influenced many people. Tolstoy’s search for the meaning of life is something everyone can understand. Tolstého hledání smyslu života rozumí každý. 人生の意味を求めるトルストイの探求は、誰もが理解できるものです。 His teachings still interest people all over the world. Jeho učení stále zajímá lidi po celém světě. 彼の教えは今でも世界中の人々の関心を集めています。 In his book "Confession" he encourages many people to ask the hard questions about life and faith. Ve své knize „Vyznání“ povzbuzuje mnoho lidí, aby si kladli těžké otázky o životě a víře. 彼の著書「告白」の中で、彼は多くの人々に人生と信仰について難しい質問をするよう勧めています. He says: Voice 3

"Where there is life there is faith. „Kde je život, tam je víra. 「命あるところに信仰あり。

Since the day Earth was created, faith made it possible for humans to live...Because faith gives a meaning to life that cannot be destroyed by suffering, poverty or death. Ode dne stvoření Země umožnila víra lidem žít... Protože víra dává životu smysl, který nelze zničit utrpením, chudobou nebo smrtí. 地球が創造された日以来、信仰は人間が生きることを可能にしました...なぜなら信仰は、苦しみ、貧困、または死によって破壊されることのない人生に意味を与えるからです. Voice 2

Tolstoy’s faith saved him from his depression. Tolstého víra zachránila před depresemi.

He believed it gave meaning to being alive. Věřil, že to dává smysl být naživu. 彼はそれが生きることに意味を与えると信じていました。 Do you believe faith gives meaning to life? Věříte, že víra dává životu smysl? How would you answer some of Tolstoy’s questions? Tell us what you think. You can email us atradio@english.net, or leave a comment on our website. Voice 1

The writer of this program was Corrie Haluga.

The producer was Ryan Geertsma. The voices you heard were from the United States and the United Kingdom. All quotes were adapted and voiced by Spotlight. You can find this program and others on our website athttp://www.radio.english.netThis .program is called "Where There Is Life." We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!