Quote by Leo Tolstoy

Not in order to justify, but simply in order to explain my lack of consistency, I say: Look at my present life and then at my former life, and you will see that I do attempt to carry them out. It is true that I have not fulfilled one thousandth part of them [Christian precepts], and I am ashamed of this, but I have failed to fulfill them not because I did not wish to, but because I was unable to. Teach me how to escape from the net of temptations that surrounds me, help me and I will fulfill them; even without help I wish and hope to fulfill them.Attack me, I do this myself, but attack me rather than the path I follow and which I point out to anyone who asks me where I think it lies. If I know the way home and am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way because I am staggering from side to side! If it is not the right way, then show me another way; but if I stagger and lose the way, you must help me, you must keep me on the true path, just as I am ready to support you. Do not mislead me, do not be glad that I have got lost, do not shout out joyfully: Look at him! He said he was going home, but there he is crawling into a bog! No, do not gloat, but give me your help and support.

Summary

In this quote, the author acknowledges their lack of consistency in adhering to Christian precepts. They express shame for not fulfilling these ideals, but explain that it was not due to a lack of desire but rather because of their own inability. They humbly request guidance in overcoming the temptations that surround them and offer the intention and hope to fulfill these precepts. The author urges others not to attack them personally, but rather to critique their actions. They emphasize the importance of supporting one another on the right path, even if they stumble along the way.