Abstract:

The writer´s aspiration for spiritual and intellectual development was prepared by the family cul-ture. The books collected by Leo Tolstoy´s grandfather N. S. Volkonskiy bear evidence to his interest in the sphere of science and nature. The prince tried to give his daughter the opportunity of all-round education. The program of her lessons included logics, mathematics, geography, biology. In his opinion the main aim of breeding was the development of his daughter´s spiritual and moral qualities. The reaching of this result was realized by envolving her into reading religious and moral literature and development of her literary skills. Continuity in education traditions was kept in Maria Volkonskaya children´s teaching.

Keywords: Yasnaya Polyana, L. Tolstoy; family, self-cultivation, education, breeding, a program of lessons, traditions; spiritual and moral qualities