“Three Questions” is a short fiction story written by Leo Tolstoy. It revolves around a king who is searching for answers to three fundamental questions: When is the right time to do things? Who are the right people to be with? And what is the most important thing to do?
In his quest for answers, the king consults wise men and scholars but receives contradictory responses. Determined to find clarity, he embarks on a journey to meet a hermit known for his wisdom. After a long and arduous journey, the king finally reaches the hermit and presents his three questions.
However, the hermit is occupied with simple tasks, such as mending his hut and digging his garden. Undeterred, the king offers to help him with the tasks. As they work together, a wounded man arrives seeking the hermit’s assistance. The king, wanting to continue with his questions, hesitates to help the man, thinking it may disrupt their important conversation.
The hermit, on the other hand, immediately tends to the wounded man’s needs, stating that helping others is the most important thing to do at any given time. They successfully treat the man’s wounds, and he expresses his gratitude. With this act of kindness, the king realizes the answer to his first question: The right time to do things is now, in the present moment.
As they resume their conversation, the hermit and the king hear cries for help from a nearby village. A fire has broken out, and the people desperately need assistance. The king hesitates again, unsure if he should leave the hermit and help the villagers or continue seeking answers to his questions.
The hermit encourages the king to go and help, assuring him that it is the right thing to do. The king rushes to the village and, along with the villagers, manages to extinguish the fire and save the homes. In the process, the king realizes the answer to his second question: The right people to be with are those who need your help.
Finally, the exhausted king returns to the hermit and expresses gratitude for the wisdom he has gained. However, he still seeks to answer his third question: What is the most important thing to do?
The hermit responds that the most important thing is to do good to others. He explains that the king has already discovered the answer by helping the wounded man and assisting the villagers.
The story concludes with the king recognizing the profound wisdom of the hermit’s words and realizing that the answers to his three questions were found through his actions and experiences.
“Three Questions” explores themes of compassion, the importance of the present moment, and the significance of selfless actions. It highlights Tolstoy’s belief in the power of kindness and the pursuit of moral and ethical behavior in one’s interactions with others.
Observations from Tolstoy’s “Three Questions”
As a reader delving into Leo Tolstoy’s “Three Questions,” several thought-provoking elements captured my attention and left a lasting impression.
Here are four significant aspects that stood out and stimulated contemplation throughout my reading experience:
The Quest for Wisdom:
The theme of seeking wisdom resonated deeply with me. The king’s relentless pursuit of answers to his profound questions mirrored our own human quest for understanding. It sparked reflections on the nature of knowledge, our different perspectives, and the inherent challenges of finding definitive answers to life’s complex inquiries.
The Power of Simplicity:
The story’s emphasis on simplicity left a profound impact. Despite the king’s grandeur and the lofty ideas he sought, the hermit’s humble existence and focus on basic tasks revealed the importance of finding meaning in everyday actions. This notion prompted introspection on the value of simplicity, mindfulness, and the ability to appreciate the present moment amidst life’s distractions.
The Ethic of Selflessness:
Throughout the narrative, the concept of selflessness shone brightly. The hermit’s immediate response to the wounded man’s needs and the king’s eventual realization of the importance of helping others showcased the transformative power of acts of kindness. It led me to contemplate the impact of altruism on both individuals and communities, emphasizing the value of empathy, compassion, and genuine care for others.
Lessons in Action and Experience:
Tolstoy’s storytelling skillfully conveyed the notion that answers to life’s fundamental questions are often discovered through action and lived experiences. The king’s evolving understanding and the profound wisdom gained from his encounters highlighted the idea that personal growth and enlightenment are best attained through active engagement with the world around us. This observation prompted reflections on the importance of embodying values through deeds and the transformative potential of real-world engagement.
Overall, “Three Questions” left me pondering the complexities of wisdom, the significance of simplicity, the power of selflessness, and the role of action and experience in our search for understanding. Tolstoy’s narrative served as a catalyst for introspection and invited me to reflect on my own life, values, and how I can actively contribute to the well-being of others.
This article is written by:
