Questions & Answers: Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy

“Three Questions” by Leo Tolstoy is a short story that has captured the hearts and minds of readers since its publication. The narrative revolves around a king’s quest for answers to three existential questions that he believes will help him become a successful ruler. Tolstoy’s story is full of philosophical insights and moral lessons. In this article, we will explore some common questions about the story and provide detailed answers.

What are the three questions the king seeks to answer?

The king seeks answers to the following three questions:

1. What is the right time to begin something?
   The king wants to know how to schedule his actions so that he achieves the greatest success.
2. Who are the right people to listen to?
   He desires to know whose advice he should heed to ensure he does no wrong.
3. What is the most important thing to do?
   The king wishes to discern what is of utmost importance in life and as a ruler.

These questions are deceptively simple but have profound implications for leadership and living a meaningful life.

Why does the king believe that finding answers to these questions is so crucial?

The king believes that knowing the answers to these questions will enable him to rule flawlessly. He assumes that with this knowledge, he will never fail in any undertaking, and he will always know when to act and whom to trust. Essentially, he is searching for a universal truth or guiding principle that can inform every decision he makes.

How does the king seek answers to his questions?

The king initially seeks answers by announcing a reward to anyone who could answer the questions. Wise men from throughout his kingdom come to offer their counsel, but their answers are all different and contradictory. Dissatisfied, the king decides to seek the advice of a hermit known for his wisdom.

Who is the hermit, and why does the king believe he can answer the questions?

The hermit is an old man known for his wisdom who lives in the woods and only receives the common folk. The king believes the hermit can answer his questions because of his reputation for wisdom and because the hermit has removed himself from worldly affairs, which might have granted him deeper insights into life’s truths.

How does the hermit respond to the king’s questions?

The hermit does not initially respond to the king’s questions directly. Instead, he is digging the ground in front of his hut when the king arrives. When the king asks his questions, the hermit continues his work, so the king takes the spade to dig for the hermit, showing his willingness to serve. It is through action, not words, that the hermit eventually provides the answers.

What significant event interrupts the king’s visit to the hermit?

While the king is helping the hermit dig, a man emerges from the woods, wounded. This man is an injured and bleeding enemy who has come with the intent to kill the king but has himself been hurt. The king and the hermit tend to his wounds, saving his life, and through this act, the king’s questions are ultimately answered.

How does helping the wounded man provide answers to the king’s questions?

The act of helping the wounded man answers the king’s questions in the following ways:

1. The most important time: The king learns that the present moment is the most important time because it is the only time over which we have any power. By focusing on the present and attending to the man’s wounds, the king was doing the right thing at the right time.
2. The most important people: The king realizes that the most important person is the one with whom you are engaged at the present moment, for no one can know if there will be a future interaction with any other person. At the moment of the man’s appearance, he became the most important person for the king to attend to.
3. The most important thing to do: The king understands that the most important affair is to do good for the person you are with, as the purpose of human life is to serve others and do good.

Through this experience, the king finds that compassion and service to others are the guiding principles he was seeking.

What is the moral lesson of “Three Questions”?

The moral lesson of “Three Questions” is that living in the present, focusing on the person you are with, and doing good are the most important aspects of life. Tolstoy suggests that these principles should guide our actions, as they are the foundation of a life well-lived and, for the king, the essence of true leadership.

How does Tolstoy’s own life and philosophy reflect in the story?

Tolstoy’s personal philosophy, which emphasized non-violence, service to others, and living a life of simplicity and purpose, is reflected in this story. He believed in the moral responsibility of individuals to do good and to find meaning in the present moment. Tolstoy himself strived to live a lifeof spiritual and material simplicity, often helping the peasants on his estate and engaging in manual labor, much like the hermit in his story.

Can the lessons from “Three Questions” be applied to contemporary life?

Absolutely. The lessons from “Three Questions” are timeless and universal, transcending the period in which Tolstoy wrote. In today’s fast-paced world, where future-oriented goals and distractions are omnipresent, Tolstoy’s message to focus on the present moment and the person in front of us is incredibly relevant. The story encourages us to think about our priorities, the quality of our interactions with others, and the impact of our actions.

How does the king’s perception change by the end of the story?

By the end of the story, the king’s perception has shifted from seeking abstract answers to realizing that truth lies in concrete action. He recognizes that wisdom is not merely about knowing but about doing—acting compassionately and serving others. The king’s experience with the hermit and the wounded man teaches him that theoretical knowledge is less important than the practical application of kindness and attention to the present.

Final Thoughts

In “Three Questions,” Leo Tolstoy presents a profound narrative that grapples with the quest for wisdom and the essence of impactful leadership. The story suggests that the right time to act is now, the most crucial person is the one you’re with at this moment, and the most important action is to be of service to them. Tolstoy’s tale is a meditation on the meaning of life, encouraging readers to find purpose and fulfillment in the present and in the service of others. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary existence, the lessons of the king’s journey remain as relevant as ever—a reminder that in serving others, we find the true answers to life’s most important questions.