Which Russian writer once said that "a real poet burns himself and illuminates others"?

Correct answer: Tolstoy

Poetry is a flame burning in people's hearts, burning, releasing heat and light. As for most people-the masses-the judges of poets, they don't feel the heat and warmth, but only see the light. Therefore, they always think that the work of poetry is just to shine ... but a real poet can't help burning himself and others with pain. This is the whole job of poetry.