In the article, when comparing the novels “War and Peace” by L. Tolstoy and “Life of Klim Samgin” by M. Gorky, on the one hand, the entry of war into the world, its trace on all sides of human life: on the worldview, actions and destiny of the individual, and also the country in general; on the other hand, the maturation of war in peaceful conditions are shown. In the article attention is focused on the mental and moral side of life, on forming war thinking and revolution thinking.