French writer Romain Rolland (1866–1944) fell into deep anguish due to the uncertainty of the future and literary conflicts. Although he wanted to ask for advice, he didn’t have anyone he found suitable to ask. After much thought, he decided to write a letter to Tolstoy, a great man of letters from Russia, whom he had so much respect for. There was a very slim chance that a world-famous writer would write back to an obscure writer. However, he still wanted to get things off of his chest even if he wouldn’t hear anything back.
However, something unexpected happened. He received a letter back from Tolstoy. In his long letter, he wrote warm and kindhearted advice and words of encouragement as his mentor in the field of writing and in life. This experience had a great influence on Rolland. In particular, his message that “the true condition of an artist is his love for mankind” remained in Rolland’s heart. He started his life as a writer, and he received the Nobel Prize in 1915 for his book Jean-Christophe.
Doing something sincerely that can be helpful to someone else; this is never a small thing. It can guide one who’s lost, grab one who’s staggering, and help someone who’s fallen stand back up.