He argues with Tolstoj on the issues of forces operating in history, and freedom versus necessity. The role of people in history is of special interest in such a system. Staroj's conception of freedom is based on his own approach to nature and history and does not correspond to Tolstoj's concept either. In contrast to Tolstoj, Staroj thinks that Russian people cannot appreciate freedom because they understand it as a possibility to do nothing and to be free from any obligations towards their society. Staroj in contrast to Tolstoj as well as the Soviet ideological doctrine significantly reduces the role of people in history.
People are always mature and immature.
You may analyze their preparedness or incapacity for decisive actions. Although Vasily Staroj considers his novel a continuation of Tolstoj's War and Peace , he does not share Tolstoj's philosophical views. Nor does he support Soviet ideology. His view on history and man is much more pessimistic. As an alternative to the bloody revolution, he sees only suffering and people's limitless patience.