Summary
Levin throws himself into the physical work of mowing hay alongside his peasant workers, finding unexpected peace in the rhythm of manual labor. As he swings his scythe in sync with the other men, his usual anxieties about life's meaning fade away, replaced by a deep satisfaction in simple, honest work. The physical exhaustion feels cleansing, and he experiences moments of what he can only describe as pure joy - not the complicated happiness he's been chasing, but something simpler and more fundamental. This chapter marks a turning point in Levin's spiritual journey, as he begins to understand that meaning might not come from grand philosophical insights but from humble participation in life's basic rhythms. The contrast between his tortured intellectualizing and the peasants' natural acceptance of their work reveals Tolstoy's belief that overthinking can be a barrier to genuine contentment. Levin's transformation through physical labor reflects a broader theme about the disconnect between Russia's educated classes and the wisdom found in simple living. The mowing scene becomes almost meditative, suggesting that sometimes we find answers not by thinking harder but by quieting our minds through meaningful action. This moment of clarity doesn't solve all of Levin's problems, but it offers him a glimpse of a different way of being in the world - one grounded in present-moment awareness rather than endless analysis. The chapter beautifully captures how manual work can serve as both physical exercise and spiritual practice, offering a path toward inner peace that doesn't require complex theories or philosophical systems.
Coming Up in Chapter 87
Levin's newfound peace through physical work faces its first test as he returns to the complexities of his regular life. The question becomes whether this simple wisdom can survive the return to his usual worries and responsibilities.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
The croquet party to which the Princess Tverskaya had invited Anna was to consist of two ladies and their adorers. These two ladies were the chief representatives of a select new Petersburg circle, nicknamed, in imitation of some imitation, _les sept merveilles du monde_. These ladies belonged to a circle which, though of the highest society, was utterly hostile to that in which Anna moved. Moreover, Stremov, one of the most influential people in Petersburg, and the elderly admirer of Liza Merkalova, was Alexey Alexandrovitch’s enemy in the political world. From all these considerations Anna had not meant to go, and the hints in Princess Tverskaya’s note referred to her refusal. But now Anna was eager to go, in the hope of seeing Vronsky. Anna arrived at Princess Tverskaya’s earlier than the other guests. At the same moment as she entered, Vronsky’s footman, with side-whiskers combed out like a _Kammerjunker_, went in too. He stopped at the door, and, taking off his cap, let her pass. Anna recognized him, and only then recalled that Vronsky had told her the day before that he would not come. Most likely he was sending a note to say so. As she took off her outer garment in the hall, she heard the footman, pronouncing his “_r’s_” even like a _Kammerjunker_, say, “From the count for the princess,” and hand the note. She longed to question him as to where his master was. She longed to turn back and send him a letter to come and see her, or to go herself to see him. But neither the first nor the second nor the third course was possible. Already she heard bells ringing to announce her arrival ahead of her, and Princess Tverskaya’s footman was standing at the open door waiting for her to go forward into the inner rooms. “The princess is in the garden; they will inform her immediately. Would you be pleased to walk into the garden?” announced another footman in another room. The position of uncertainty, of indecision, was still the same as at home—worse, in fact, since it was impossible to take any step, impossible to see Vronsky, and she had to remain here among outsiders, in company so uncongenial to her present mood. But she was wearing a dress that she knew suited her. She was not alone; all around was that luxurious setting of idleness that she was used to, and she felt less wretched than at home. She was not forced to think what she was to do. Everything would be done of itself. On meeting Betsy coming towards her in a white gown that struck her by its elegance, Anna smiled at her just as she always did. Princess Tverskaya was walking with Tushkevitch and a young lady, a relation, who, to the great joy of her parents in the provinces, was spending the summer with the fashionable princess. There was probably something unusual about Anna, for Betsy noticed it at once. “I slept badly,”...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Overthinking to Underthinking
Mental problems often require physical solutions, and clarity comes through action rather than endless analysis.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when thinking has become counterproductive and how to use physical activity as a mental circuit breaker.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you're mentally spinning on a problem—then try doing something physical for 20 minutes and see if clarity emerges.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Scythe mowing
A traditional method of cutting grass or grain using a long-handled tool with a curved blade. In 19th century Russia, this was communal work done in rhythmic coordination between workers. The physical demands required both skill and endurance.
Modern Usage:
We see this same principle in team sports, assembly line work, or any job where people must sync their movements and pace to be effective together.
Peasant wisdom
The practical knowledge and life philosophy of working-class rural people, often gained through generations of hard physical labor and close connection to nature. Tolstoy believed this simple wisdom was superior to intellectual overthinking.
Modern Usage:
This shows up today when blue-collar workers or people with hands-on experience offer practical solutions that highly educated experts miss.
Meditative labor
Physical work that becomes almost spiritual through repetition and focus, allowing the mind to quiet and find peace. The rhythm and concentration required can produce a state similar to meditation.
Modern Usage:
People find this same peace in activities like gardening, woodworking, knitting, or even repetitive tasks like folding laundry when done mindfully.
Class consciousness
Awareness of the differences between social classes, particularly the gap between educated elites and working people. In Russia, this divide was especially pronounced between landowners and serfs.
Modern Usage:
We see this today in discussions about blue-collar versus white-collar work, or when college-educated people feel disconnected from working-class communities.
Existential anxiety
Deep worry about life's meaning and purpose, often experienced by people who have time to think rather than just survive. This type of anxiety comes from having too many choices and too much time for self-reflection.
Modern Usage:
This is common today among people who feel successful but empty, or anyone who lies awake wondering 'what's the point of it all?'
Flow state
A psychological condition where someone becomes completely absorbed in an activity, losing self-consciousness and sense of time. Physical work often produces this state naturally through its demands for focus and coordination.
Modern Usage:
Athletes, musicians, and craftspeople describe this feeling when they're 'in the zone' and everything clicks perfectly.
Characters in This Chapter
Levin
Protagonist in spiritual crisis
He joins the peasants in mowing hay, discovering that physical labor quiets his anxious mind and brings unexpected joy. This manual work offers him something his intellectual pursuits couldn't - simple peace and connection.
Modern Equivalent:
The burned-out office worker who finds peace in weekend carpentry projects
Tit
Experienced peasant worker
An old peasant who works alongside Levin, representing the natural rhythm and acceptance that Levin envies. His effortless skill with the scythe shows the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of honest labor.
Modern Equivalent:
The veteran mechanic who makes complex repairs look easy
The peasant workers
Collective wisdom figures
They work in natural harmony, accepting their labor without the tortured self-analysis that plagues Levin. Their simple contentment in the work itself reveals an alternative to his intellectual struggles.
Modern Equivalent:
The construction crew that jokes and works together without overthinking their purpose
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The longer Levin went on mowing, the oftener he experienced those moments of oblivion when his arms no longer seemed to swing the scythe, but the scythe itself his whole body, so conscious and full of life."
Context: As Levin gets into the rhythm of mowing and loses himself in the work
This describes the flow state where self-consciousness disappears and action becomes effortless. It shows how physical work can quiet the anxious mind that's been tormenting Levin throughout the novel.
In Today's Words:
The more he worked, the more he got into the zone where he wasn't thinking - just moving naturally, like the tool was part of his body.
"He felt joyful, and at the same time he felt sad that this blissful condition would not last."
Context: Levin's realization during a moment of pure contentment while mowing
This captures the bittersweet nature of finding peace - the joy of discovery mixed with the fear of losing it. It shows Levin's tendency to analyze even his moments of happiness.
In Today's Words:
He felt amazing, but also bummed that this perfect feeling wouldn't stick around forever.
"The grass cut with a juicy sound, and was laid in high, fragrant rows."
Context: Description of the mowing work as it progresses
The sensory details emphasize the immediate, physical reality of the work versus Levin's usual abstract thinking. The 'juicy sound' and 'fragrant rows' ground him in the present moment.
In Today's Words:
The grass made that satisfying cutting sound and fell into neat, sweet-smelling piles.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Levin finds wisdom in peasant workers' simple acceptance of labor, contrasting with his educated class's tendency to overcomplicate
Development
Continues exploration of how class differences affect perspective on work and meaning
In Your Life:
You might notice how people with different backgrounds approach problems—some analyze, others just act.
Identity
In This Chapter
Levin temporarily loses his anxious intellectual identity and becomes simply a worker among workers
Development
Shows identity as fluid rather than fixed, dependent on current activity and mindset
In Your Life:
You might feel like a different person when deeply engaged in physical work versus sitting and thinking.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Growth comes not through self-reflection but through self-forgetting in meaningful work
Development
Challenges earlier assumptions that growth requires conscious effort and analysis
In Your Life:
You might grow most during times when you're too busy helping others to focus on your own problems.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Levin defies expectations of his social class by working alongside peasants and finding it fulfilling
Development
Continues theme of characters finding authenticity by breaking social norms
In Your Life:
You might find unexpected satisfaction in activities that others in your position would consider beneath them.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Connection with fellow workers happens naturally through shared labor, without need for conversation or analysis
Development
Introduces idea that relationships can form through parallel action rather than direct interaction
In Your Life:
You might feel closest to coworkers during busy shifts when you're all focused on the same goal.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What changes in Levin when he starts working with his hands alongside the peasants?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does physical work quiet Levin's anxious thoughts when philosophical thinking couldn't?
analysis • medium - 3
When have you noticed that staying busy with your hands helped calm a worried mind?
application • medium - 4
How would you recognize when you're overthinking a problem versus productively working through it?
application • deep - 5
What does Levin's experience suggest about the relationship between thinking and living?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Track Your Thinking Patterns
For the next three days, notice when your mind starts spinning on a problem. Write down what you were thinking about and what you did next. Did you keep thinking, or did you shift to doing something with your hands? Track which approach actually helped you feel better or move forward.
Consider:
- •Pay attention to the difference between problem-solving thoughts and worry loops
- •Notice what types of physical activities quiet your mind most effectively
- •Observe whether certain times of day make you more prone to overthinking
Journaling Prompt
Write about a current situation you've been overthinking. What would it look like to approach this problem through action rather than analysis? What small step could you take with your hands instead of your head?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 87
The coming pages reveal key events and character development in this chapter, and teach us thematic elements and literary techniques. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.