Why did Leo Tolstoy leave the University of Kazan without a degree?

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Portrait of Leo Tolstoy with a long white beard, wearing a dark shirt and looking slightly to the side. — Leo Tolstoy Russian writer Leo Tolstoy is widely regarded as one of the world's greatest novelists. His masterpieces are *War and Peace* (1865–69) and *Anna Karenina* (1875–77).

Leo Tolstoy left the University of Kazan in 1847 without a degree primarily due to his lack of academic focus. Although he initially enrolled to study Oriental languages, his poor academic performance forced him to transfer to the law faculty.

During his time at the university, Tolstoy was largely preoccupied with social pursuits rather than his studies. He spent the majority of his time attempting to be comme il faut (socially correct), which involved drinking, gambling, and engaging in debauchery. Following his departure, he returned to his family estate, Yasnaya Polyana, with the intention of managing his serfs and pursuing self-education.1