Step 1: Gandhi’s influences
Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by many thinkers and writings throughout his life.
Step 2: Leo Tolstoy's role
Leo Tolstoy, the Russian writer and thinker, wrote extensively on nonviolence and Christian ethics, which influenced Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha).
Step 3: Other options
- Karl Marx inspired socialist and communist ideas, which differed from Gandhi's approach.
- Bernard Shaw was a playwright and critic but not a direct influence on Gandhi’s philosophy.
- Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and had a different ideology than Gandhi.
Thus, Option (A) is the correct answer.