TOLSTOY - The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy - Short story audiobook - FAB

Summary

In Leo Tolstoy's 'Three Questions,' a king seeks the answers to three vital questions: the right time for every action, the most important people to pay attention to, and the essential tasks to prioritize. Despite consulting learned men with varying answers, he remains unsatisfied and turns to a hermit for wisdom. Through a series of events involving a wounded man, the king learns that the most important time is the present, the most necessary person is the one he is with, and the most important action is to do good for others. This tale emphasizes the value of the present moment and compassionate action.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The king seeks answers to three critical questions: the right time for every action, the most necessary people, and the most important thing to do.
• 📜 Different scholars provide varying answers, reflecting the complexity of these philosophical inquiries.
• 🔍 The king learns that no single answer satisfies all his questions, highlighting the subjective nature of wisdom.
• 👨‍🌾 The hermit represents simplicity and practicality, emphasizing action over theoretical knowledge.
• ⏳ The most important time is the present moment, as it is the only time when we can take action.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The most necessary person is the one you are currently with, reinforcing the value of present relationships.
• 💖 The most important affair is to do good to others, suggesting that our purpose in life revolves around kindness.
• 🚶‍♂️ The king's act of helping the hermit exemplifies how service to others is of utmost significance.
• ⚔️ The wounded man symbolizes transformation; the king's act of mercy turns an enemy into a friend.
• ✨ Ultimately, the story teaches that true wisdom lies in understanding the importance of the present and our interactions with others.

Q & A

What prompted the king to seek answers to his three questions?

The king believed that knowing the right time for every action, the most important people to listen to, and the most crucial things to do would ensure his success in any endeavor.

What were the three questions the king wanted answered?

The three questions were: 1) What is the right time for every action? 2) Who are the most necessary people? 3) What is the most important thing to do?

How did the learned men respond to the king's inquiries?

The learned men provided conflicting answers to each question, with no consensus on how to determine the right time for actions, the necessary people, or the most important tasks.

Why did the king decide to consult a hermit?

The king sought the hermit's wisdom because he was renowned for his knowledge and lived a life of simplicity, which the king believed might provide clearer answers to his questions.

What task did the king do while with the hermit?

The king helped the hermit by digging in the ground in front of his hut, working alongside him instead of directly asking for answers.

Who interrupted the king and the hermit during their work?

A wounded man came running from the woods, holding his stomach and bleeding, interrupting their work and prompting the king to assist him.

What was the nature of the king's actions towards the wounded man?

The king bandaged the man's wound and provided him with water, ultimately saving his life through his immediate and compassionate response.

What was the wounded man's relationship to the king?

The wounded man was the king's enemy, who had previously vowed revenge against the king for executing his brother and seizing his property.

What key lesson did the hermit impart to the king after the encounter with the wounded man?

The hermit taught the king that the most important time is now, the most necessary person is the one you are with, and the most important affair is to do good for that person.

What overarching theme does Tolstoy convey through the story?

Tolstoy conveys the themes of mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of the present moment, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from helping others and valuing our interactions.