In "What Is Art?", Leo Tolstoy delves into the philosophy of art, challenging the conventions of his day. Through incisive argumentation, Tolstoy proposes that true art transcends mere aesthetic pleasure, serving instead as a medium for communicating the deepest human emotions and experiences universally. He criticizes art that caters only to society's elite, advocating for art that is accessible, truthful, and capable of fostering spiritual and moral growth among all people.