"God and the soul are known by me in the same way I know infinity: not by means of definitions but in quite another way...Just as I know assuredly that there is an infinity of numbers so do I know that there is a God...For me this knowledge is indubitable, simply because I am led to it unavoidably.

     To the certainty of the infinity of numbers I am led by addition. To the certainty of the knowledge of God I am led by the question `Whence come I?'

      I was born of my mother, and she of my grand-mother, but the very first of whom? And I inevitably arrive at God.

     From whatever side I approach God it will always be the same. The origin of my thoughts, my reason is God. The origin of my love also is He. The origin of matter is He too.
(Tolstoy, 1937, 498)

   _____________________

 Tolstoy, L. Recollections and Essays. London: Oxford University Press, 1937.