The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy
In this story, a king seeks the answers to three important questions that will guide him in life. Despite consulting many wise individuals, it is a chance encounter and act of kindness that ultimately reveal the answers he seeks. Through this captivating tale, Leo Tolstoy imparts a valuable lesson on compassion, forgiveness, and the true essence of wisdom.
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CLASS VIII ELR-Ln 1 THREE QUESTIONS WRITER : LEO TOLSTOY
LEO NIKOLEVICH TOLSTOY He was born in Russia in 1828 . He served the Russian Army from 1852 to 1856. He was a nobleman who owned a great deal of land but felt it was his duty to give it away and lead a simple life. He came to be a firm believer in non- violence. Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by his writings. His tales give a true picture of the life of the Russian peasants. He does not tell a story merely to amuse us. He is teaching us a lesson.
SUMMARY Many many years ago, there lived a brave king. Once he thought that if he knew the answer of the three questions, he would never fail in life. The three questions were: 1. What is the right time to begin something? 2. Which people should he listen to? 3. What is the most important thing for him to do?
The king therefore, sent his messengers through out his kingdom to find out a person who could answer these questions. From all over the kingdom, wise men came and gave different answers. Some said to prepare a timetable, some said to take the help of a council of wise men and some said to take the help of magicians. But the king was not satisfied with their answers. So, he decided to take the advice of a hermit who was known for his wisdom. The king went to the hermit and asked him the same three questions. The hermit who was digging the soil and breathing heavily, listened to him but said nothing.
The king repeated his questions many a times but there was no reply. The hermit went on digging. The king then said, Sir you are very tired. Please give me your spade. The king took the spade and started digging the soil till the evening. Suddenly a wounded man came running out of the forest and he fainted in front of them. Both the king and the hermit took him to the hut, washed his wounds and took great care of him. Next day when the man woke up, he recognized the king and asked forgiveness.
The king was surprised to see all this, he did not recognise the man. So, the man told the king about himself that he was his enemy. He wanted to kill him. After listening to him the king became very happy because he has won over his enemy. The king went out of the hut and looked. Before going he wanted to get the answers of his questions. He saw the hermit on his knees sowing seeds in the beds that had been dug by the king. The king requested the hermit to tell the answers of those questions.
The hermit smiled and said, Son your questions have already been answered. If you had not pitied my weakness and had not dug these beds for me you would have gone away and that man would have attacked you. So, the most important time was when you were digging the beds and I was the most important man and to do good to me was your important action. Again, when the man came running to us, the important time was when you were caring for him because if you had not dressed his wounds, he would have died without having made peace. So, he was the most important man and what you did for him was the most important action.
Remember that there is only one time that is important and that is NOW , The most important person is with whom you are at that time and most important action is that which you do to help others.
QUESTION & ANSWERS Q1. What were the three questions of the king? What were the various answers he received? A- The three questions were: What was the right time to begin some thing; who were the most important people ; what is the most important thing to do. Right time is to make a timetable and decide or consult a magician; but the king was not satisfied. Q2. what was the hermit s answer to the questions? A- The important time is Now , the important people are the ones with whom you are and to do them good is the important thing to do.
Q3.Why was the king obsessed with the three questions? A- The king was a true ruler. He wanted to know the answers of these questions, so that, he would rule his kingdom justly. Q4. How did the king help the wounded man? A- The king nursed the man with a bandage and kept on changing it till the blood stopped and then he lied beside him till the morning.
