Despite the fact that Tolstoy calls for use of specific emotion in art, which is different than Plato’s views, how are they similar in other regards?

"And in order to do that it is primarily necessary to examine that activity in itself, in its dependence on its causes, and in connection with its effects, and not merely in relation to the pleasure we can get from it" (Tolstoy, 234).

While Tolstoy exhibits many differences in his opinions on art than Plato does, I did see a connection, in the fact that both place skeptism on the idea of art for pure aesthetic pleasure.  While Plato is much more critical of purely aesthetic art, Tolstoy too sees that there may be a misconception behind the reasons and motives of creating art for the sole purpose of aesthetic beauty.

"Just as people who conceive the aim and purpose of food to be pleasure cannot recognize the real meaning of eating, so people who consider the aim of art to be pleasure cannot realize its true meaning and purpose..." (Tolstoy, 235).

Just as many philosophers in the past have stated, that food for the mind is equally as important as food for the body, and that one cannot truly appreciate the pleasure of eating food (literally) before they also realize the value of its nourishment, Tolstoy makes the point that art is like food.  One can only appreciate the aesthetic pleasure of art if only at first they realize the art's intellectual or symbolic value.