Leo Tolstoy quit the university

When he was young, Leo Tolstoy was taught at home by tutors. One of the interesting facts about Leo Tolstoy is that he afterward enrolled in the University of Kazan to study Oriental languages but quit after finding how difficult it was. Tolstoy made the decision to try out law school but gave up this profession in 1847, he was described as "both unable and unwilling to learn" by teachers.

He intended to educate himself because he lacked a degree. But he enjoyed drinking, gambling, and other vices. Playing cards was his weakness, and it cost him a lot of money. One of his largest bets was a house on his property, which he was never able to recover.

Finally, Leo Tolstoy and his older brother Nikolay enlisted in the army in 1851. He participated in the Crimean War and campaigns against the local people there. He was in Sevastopol during the Battle of the Chernaya and the 11-month siege of Sevastopol in 1854-55. He received praise for his bravery during the conflict and was given the promotion to lieutenant. After the Crimean Combat ended, he left the service because he was horrified by how many people die in war.