Alyosha the Pot

'Alyosha the Pot' is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy (1905) about the life and death of a simple, uncomplaining worker. 
It was published after Tolstoy's death in 1911 and received high praise from Tolstoy's contemporaries. 
Without ever calling Alyosha a holy fool, Tolstoy centers the story on his meekness, aloofness, and foolishness. Alyosha's simple life, soft-spoken manner, and calm acceptance of death epitomizes Tolstoyan principles.