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Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy
Summary of "The Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy:
The story focuses on a king who seeks answers to three important questions: What is the right time to do anything? Who are the most important people to listen to? What is the most important thing to do? Believing that answers to these questions would help him succeed in life, he announces a reward for anyone who can provide him with the right answers.
Many learned men give different responses, but none satisfy the king. To find the truth, he decides to visit a wise hermit who lives in the mountains. The hermit doesn’t answer the king directly but instead continues digging his garden. The king offers to help the hermit, and while they work, a wounded man arrives, and the king tends to his injuries. The wounded man reveals that he was an enemy of the king, seeking revenge, but because the king saved his life, he forgives him and pledges his loyalty.
Finally, the hermit explains that the king's questions have already been answered. The most important time is now, because it is the only moment we have control over. The most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing to do is to do good for others.
The story emphasizes that learning is not just about seeking theoretical knowledge but involves practical experiences, reflection, and action. Through his journey, the king learns valuable skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and the importance of being present in the moment. The hermit teaches the king that learning is a continuous process, and the ability to adapt, prioritize, and take meaningful action in the present is essential for growth and success.
One- line Questions- Answers:
What are the three questions the king seeks answers for?
The right time to do something, the most important people, and the most important thing to do.
Why does the king seek answers to these three questions?
He believes knowing the answers will help him succeed in everything he undertakes.
Who does the king consult first to answer his questions?
The king consults learned men from his kingdom.
Why is the king dissatisfied with the answers from the learned men?
The answers given by the learned men were different and contradictory.
Who does the king go to after being dissatisfied with the learned men’s answers?
The king goes to a wise hermit.
Where does the hermit live?
The hermit lives in a forest and only meets common people.
What does the hermit do when the king asks his questions?
The hermit continues digging without answering the king.
What does the king offer to do when he sees the hermit struggling?
The king offers to dig the ground for the hermit.
Who approaches the king and the hermit while they are digging?
A wounded man comes running toward them from the woods.
What does the king do when he sees the wounded man?
The king helps to bandage and care for the man’s wounds.
Why was the wounded man trying to attack the king?
The wounded man was an enemy who sought revenge because the king executed his brother and seized his property.
Why does the wounded man change his mind about killing the king?
The king saved his life by tending to his wounds.
What promise does the wounded man make to the king?
He promises to serve the king faithfully and have his sons do the same.
What does the king promise the wounded man?
The king promises to send his physician and restore the man’s property.
When does the hermit finally answer the king’s questions?
The hermit answers the questions after the king helps the wounded man.
What is the most important time, according to the hermit?
The most important time is now.
Who is the most important person, according to the hermit?
The most important person is the one you are with at the moment.
What is the most important thing to do, according to the hermit?
The most important thing to do is to do good to the person you are with.
Why does the hermit believe the king’s questions were already answered?
The hermit believed the king’s questions were already answered Because the king helped the hermit and saved the wounded man and proved the importance of the present moment, the person with him, and doing good.
What lesson does the king learn by the end of the story?
The king learns that the key to success is focusing on the present, the people around him, and doing the good for others.
Textual Question- Answers:
What does the king want to know?
The king wants to find answers to three key questions: the right time to begin any action, the most important people to be with, and the most important thing to do. These questions are essential for the king because he believes that knowing these answers will help him make the right decisions and never fail in any undertaking. However, he is dissatisfied with the answers he receives from the learned men in his kingdom because they are contradictory and do not give him clear direction. As a result, the king turns to a wise hermit, believing the hermit's simplicity and wisdom will provide deeper insights. While visiting the hermit, the king offers to dig the ground out of empathy and a desire to help the elderly man. Even after digging for hours, the king repeats his questions multiple times, hoping for a clear response. Before he can return home, a wounded man approaches, and the king cares for him, unaware that the man is his enemy. Eventually, the king learns that by helping the hermit and the wounded man, he has already received the answers to his questions.
Why did the king want this knowledge?
The king sought this knowledge because he believed that knowing the right time for every action, the most important people, and the most crucial thing to do would allow him to succeed in all aspects of life. He thought that if he could master these principles, he would never fail and always make the right decisions. This quest for certainty and control over his actions is what drives the king throughout the story. Despite the many answers offered by the learned men, the king remained unsatisfied because none provided him with the clarity or certainty he was looking for. He wanted definitive guidance that would ensure his success and protect him from failure. This desire for absolute knowledge eventually led him to the hermit. Through his experiences with the hermit and the wounded man, the king learns that the most important knowledge lies in being present, helping others, and acting with kindness.
Why is he dissatisfied with the answers that people give to him?
The king is dissatisfied with the answers provided by the learned men because they contradict one another and fail to provide a unified solution. Some suggest that the right time can be predicted by following a schedule, while others say that only constant awareness can lead to proper timing. The advice on the most important people and actions is equally conflicting, with different groups, such as priests, warriors, and doctors, being named as the most important. Similarly, answers to the question of what action is most important range from religious devotion to military skill. These varied responses leave the king more confused than enlightened. As a ruler, he seeks clarity and certainty but finds none in their words. His disappointment leads him to seek wisdom from the hermit, whom he believes may offer deeper insight. Ultimately, the king's dissatisfaction is rooted in his quest for a simple, all-encompassing truth that the learned men cannot provide.
Who does he turn to for an answer and why?
The king turns to a wise hermit after being dissatisfied with the conflicting answers given by the learned men. He believes that the hermit, who is known for his wisdom and lives a simple life away from the distractions of society, may hold the answers he seeks. The hermit’s reputation for profound understanding and his humble lifestyle convince the king that he may be able to provide deeper insight. The king hopes that by seeking guidance from someone who is detached from the material world, he will gain clarity on his questions. He also believes that the hermit’s wisdom will help him find practical and meaningful answers that the learned men of the court failed to offer. Additionally, the hermit’s refusal to meet with anyone but common folk intrigues the king, making him more determined to approach him in person. This decision leads the king on a journey of self-discovery and realization about the true nature of wisdom.
5. Why is the king willing to dig the ground for the learned man?
The king is willing to dig the ground for the learned man because he feels empathy for the frail hermit, who is clearly struggling with the task due to his age and physical weakness. Despite being a king, he does not hesitate to assist the hermit with manual labor. The king values the hermit's wisdom and sees helping him as a sign of respect and humility. He also believes that through kindness and service, he may gain the answers he seeks. The king’s willingness to put aside his royal dignity and engage in physical work demonstrates his sincerity in wanting to learn. He understands that serving the hermit could be a way to earn his trust and, perhaps, receive the wisdom he desires. Additionally, the king feels a sense of responsibility toward the elderly man. In this moment, the king’s actions reflect a readiness to do whatever is necessary for the sake of wisdom.
6. Why does the king repeat his question to the learned man several times?
The king repeats his questions to the learned man several times because the hermit does not give him a direct answer immediately. The king is determined to find out the right time for action, the most important people, and the most important thing to do. He grows impatient as the hermit remains silent and continues his work of digging. The king assumes that the hermit might be testing his patience or waiting for the right moment to answer. The repetition of the questions reflects the king's sense of urgency and desire for clarity. Each time he asks, the king hopes the hermit will finally reveal his wisdom. However, the hermit’s silence forces the king to persist and think more deeply about his quest. The king's repeated inquiries also highlight his dedication to finding the answers he believes are essential for success.
7. What happens to prevent the king from returning home?
The appearance of a wounded man prevents the king from returning home. As the king prepares to leave after receiving no clear answer from the hermit, a bearded man comes running from the woods, severely injured. The king immediately shifts his focus from his questions to helping the wounded man. He cleans and dresses the man's wounds, which takes a great deal of time and effort. The king’s decision to care for the man delays his return to his palace. His sense of duty and compassion for the injured man keep him at the hermit's hut. In tending to the stranger’s wounds, the king forgets about his original purpose of seeking wisdom. This act of mercy, however, leads to a significant realization later on.
8. Why does the king forgive his enemy and restore his property?
The king forgives his enemy and restores his property because the enemy, after being saved by the king, expresses deep remorse and gratitude. The wounded man, once determined to kill the king in revenge, confesses his plans and asks for forgiveness. Realizing that the king has not only spared his life but also saved him, the enemy is moved and offers to serve the king faithfully. The king, touched by the sincerity of the man's repentance, chooses to forgive him rather than continue the cycle of hatred. This act of forgiveness brings peace between the two, transforming an enemy into a loyal ally. By restoring the man’s property, the king ensures a fresh start for their relationship. The king’s decision to forgive reflects his belief in mercy and the value of reconciliation. This act also aligns with the lesson the king is about to learn from the hermit.
9. How does the learned man explain the incident of the wounded man?
The learned hermit explains the incident of the wounded man by showing that the king's actions have already answered his three questions. He explains that if the king had not stayed to dig the beds for the hermit, the wounded man would have attacked him. Thus, the most important time was when the king was digging, the most important person was the hermit, and helping him was the most important action. When the wounded man appeared, tending to him became the most crucial task, and the man became the most important person. Through these actions, the king prevented harm and made peace with his enemy. The hermit teaches the king that living in the present moment and responding to the needs of others is the key to wisdom. The incident with the wounded man serves as a practical demonstration of the king’s quest for answers.
10. What lesson does the king learn from the hermit?
The king learns from the hermit that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important action is to do good to that person. The hermit teaches the king that focusing on the present moment and the people around him is the key to living wisely. By showing compassion and helping others, the king can achieve the most meaningful success. The king realizes that there is no perfect time for action except the present, and worrying about future events or decisions is unnecessary. The hermit's wisdom emphasizes that doing good for others should always be a priority because it aligns with the purpose of life. The king's experiences—helping the hermit and saving the wounded man—demonstrate this lesson in action. Ultimately, the king learns that living in the moment with kindness and compassion is the highest form of wisdom.
Short notes:
1. Character Sketch of the King
The king in Leo Tolstoy’s "Three Questions" is depicted as a thoughtful and reflective ruler, deeply concerned with making the right decisions for his kingdom. His character is shaped by his quest for wisdom and the desire to always know the correct course of action. The king’s search for answers to the three fundamental questions—what is the right time to act, who are the most important people, and what is the most important thing to do—shows his commitment to ruling justly and wisely.
Curiosity and Intellectual Depth:
The king’s primary trait is his intellectual curiosity. He is not content with superficial knowledge; he wants deeper understanding to become a better leader. His decision to consult wise men, and later the hermit, reflects his recognition that true wisdom is not easily obtained. His curiosity is driven by a desire to avoid mistakes and make choices that will benefit both him and his subjects.
Humility and Openness:
Despite being a powerful ruler, the king is humble enough to seek wisdom from others, including common folk like the hermit. He is willing to leave behind his royal status, dressing as a simple man to meet the hermit in his natural environment. This humility allows him to approach learning with an open heart, setting aside his ego in the pursuit of knowledge.
Patience and Persistence:
The king’s patience is another defining trait. When the hermit does not immediately answer his questions, the king does not become frustrated. Instead, he patiently works alongside the hermit, digging the soil. His persistence in waiting for the right moment to ask his questions again, and his willingness to perform manual labor, reflects his dedication to finding the truth.
Compassion and Empathy:
A significant aspect of the king’s character is his empathy. He shows kindness not only to the hermit but also to the wounded man who turns out to be his enemy. Instead of reacting with anger or seeking revenge, the king tends to the man’s injuries, demonstrating profound compassion. This act of mercy shows that he values human life and understands the importance of forgiveness.
Moral Growth:
Through his journey, the king undergoes moral growth. His initial goal is to find practical answers that will help him rule more effectively, but he ends up learning more profound lessons about life. He discovers that the most important time is the present, the most important people are those around him, and the most important action is to do good for others. This realization shifts his focus from ruling wisely for the sake of power to ruling with kindness and responsibility.
Wisdom and Leadership:
By the end of the story, the king embodies the qualities of a true leader. He learns that leadership is not just about making calculated decisions but about understanding human relationships, being present in the moment, and prioritizing kindness. His transformation into a wise and compassionate ruler is a result of the lessons he learns from the hermit and his experiences during his quest for answers.
In conclusion, the king is a character who evolves from seeking intellectual wisdom to embodying moral and spiritual growth. His journey reflects the idea that true wisdom lies in humility, empathy, and living in the present.
"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." – Ronald Reagan
2. The Hermit
The hermit in Leo Tolstoy’s story "Three Questions" is a central figure who plays a key role in imparting wisdom to the king. Despite his simple lifestyle and refusal to interact with the wealthy or powerful, the hermit is a figure of profound wisdom and understanding. His character stands in contrast to the intellectuals and learned men in the story who fail to answer the king's three important questions directly. The hermit’s way of teaching is not through direct instruction, but through action and example, showcasing the depth of his knowledge and insight into life.
Wisdom and Insight:
The hermit is widely known for his wisdom, which is why the king seeks him out. However, what makes the hermit different from other wise men is that he doesn’t answer questions in a traditional, verbal manner. Instead of offering theoretical or philosophical advice, the hermit uses the power of experience to teach lessons. His silence when the king first asks his questions forces the king to find the answers within his actions. The hermit understands that true wisdom is not only about knowing the answers but about understanding the right time and context in which they should be applied.
Humility and Simplicity:
The hermit is depicted as a humble and modest man who lives a simple life, far from the luxuries of the royal court. He lives alone in the forest, performing tasks like digging the ground with his own hands, even though he is physically frail. His choice to distance himself from society and its materialism shows his detachment from worldly pleasures. This simplicity is central to his character because it reflects his deeper focus on spiritual and moral values rather than wealth or status. He even refuses to meet with powerful or rich people, emphasizing that wisdom is not for the elite but is gained through simple living and doing good.
Patience and Calmness:
The hermit exhibits great patience and calmness throughout his interactions with the king. When the king arrives and asks him three important questions, the hermit does not rush to answer. Instead, he continues his task of digging the soil, showing a steady, patient demeanour. His calmness is particularly evident when he asks the king to help him dig, rather than providing the answers the king expects. This calm, non-verbal response illustrates his understanding that some lessons are best learned through actions rather than words.
Compassion and Service:
Despite his age and frailty, the hermit is devoted to service, both to others and to the earth. His physical act of digging the soil represents his commitment to the simple, yet profound, act of tending to life’s needs. Additionally, when the wounded man arrives, the hermit, without hesitation, assists the king in tending to the man’s injuries. This reveals the hermit’s deep sense of compassion for others. He does not judge people by their past actions or their intentions but helps those in need, showing his belief in the importance of service to humanity.
Non-Verbal Teaching Style:
The hermit’s greatest strength lies in his method of teaching, which is largely non-verbal. Rather than directly answering the king’s questions, he guides the king through actions. By engaging the king in manual labour, allowing him to help the wounded man, and leaving him time to reflect on these experiences, the hermit indirectly provides answers to the king’s questions. This method of teaching through experience aligns with the story’s emphasis on learning through life and service rather than through mere intellectual knowledge. The hermit teaches that wisdom is often found in the simplest of actions, and that answers to life’s big questions can be found through kindness and living in the present moment.
Spiritual Depth and Philosophy:
The hermit embodies a deep spiritual philosophy that values the present moment and human kindness above all else. His eventual explanation to the king—that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important task is to do good—reflects a profound understanding of life’s true priorities. This spiritual wisdom highlights the hermit’s belief that life is about helping others in the moment rather than worrying about grandiose plans or future ambitions.
Symbol of True Wisdom:
Ultimately, the hermit serves as a symbol of true wisdom in the story. Unlike the learned men who approach wisdom as an intellectual exercise, the hermit shows that wisdom is something to be lived and practiced. His simple life, calm demeanour, compassion, and quiet but effective teaching methods all point to the idea that wisdom is not something external to be acquired, but something internal that is expressed through how we live and treat others.
Thus, the hermit in "Three Questions" is a figure of immense wisdom, who teaches the king—and the readers—important life lessons not through words, but through actions. His humility, simplicity, compassion, and deep spiritual insight make him one of the most profound characters in the story, embodying the idea that the truest wisdom lies in living well, helping others, and focusing on the present moment.
3. Learning Skills from the Story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy's story “Three Questions” focuses on a king’s quest for wisdom. In his pursuit to always make the right decisions, the king asks three key questions about the right time for action, the right people to listen to, and the most important tasks to accomplish. The story serves as a reflection on important learning skills, focusing on practical wisdom, experiential learning, critical thinking, and the importance of mindfulness in everyday actions. These learning skills are vital, not just for the king, but for anyone seeking personal growth and wisdom.
1. Experiential Learning
The story emphasizes the value of experiential learning, where knowledge is gained through actions and real-life experiences rather than mere words or theoretical instruction. The hermit does not directly answer the king’s three questions, but instead involves the king in practical activities, such as digging the ground and tending to a wounded man. The hermit’s method of teaching is non-verbal, forcing the king to learn through his actions. This highlights how we often learn best when we actively participate in tasks, rather than passively receiving information.
The king’s experience of helping the hermit and healing the wounded man provides him with the answers to his questions. He learns that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one he is with, and the most important task is to do good to others. Through this process, Tolstoy emphasizes that life’s greatest lessons come not from books or advisors but from engagement with the world around us.
2. Critical Thinking and Self-Reflection
The king’s journey illustrates the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection as key learning skills. Initially, the king turns to various learned men for answers, but he quickly realizes that their advice is too abstract and varied to be practical. This dissatisfaction forces the king to reflect on his own understanding of what is important. By taking the time to evaluate the responses he receives and seeking further answers from the hermit, the king demonstrates the necessity of thinking critically and not accepting information at face value.
Moreover, the king’s repeated questioning of the hermit shows his persistence in finding deeper meaning. The act of reflection helps the king realize that wisdom is not about abstract knowledge but about focusing on the present moment and doing good for others.
3. Adaptability and Open-Mindedness
The story teaches the skill of adaptability, as the king’s learning process requires him to adjust his approach. Initially, he tries to gather information from wise men, expecting straightforward answers. However, when their responses prove unsatisfactory, he adapts by seeking out the hermit. The hermit’s unconventional teaching methods further challenge the king to be open-minded and flexible in his approach to learning.
The king also adapts to the situation when he encounters the wounded man. Instead of insisting on getting answers from the hermit, he immediately shifts his focus to tending to the injured man. This adaptability in changing priorities and being open to new experiences is essential for learning, as it teaches that wisdom often comes from unexpected situations.
4. Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness
One of the most profound lessons in the story relates to mindfulness—being fully present in the moment. The hermit’s eventual answer to the king’s questions revolves around the importance of now. The hermit teaches that the present moment is the only time when we have control and can act. The most important person is the one you are with in the present, and the most important task is to help them.
This mindfulness shows how awareness of the present is a crucial learning skill. In life, we often get distracted by future plans or past regrets, but the story shows that focusing on the here and now is what leads to true wisdom. By paying attention to the present moment, the king learns to act with compassion and responsibility, realizing that this is where his power truly lies.
5. Compassion and Emotional Intelligence
Another important learning skill highlighted in the story is compassion. The hermit’s answer to the king’s questions reveals that helping others is the most important task one can undertake. The king learns this when he assists the hermit with digging and later when he saves the life of the wounded man. These acts of compassion lead to significant personal growth for the king, as he not only finds peace with his enemy but also gains insight into the meaning of his questions.
The story shows that helping others in need, even when it seems inconvenient, is a crucial part of being a good leader and person. The king's compassionate act of caring for the wounded man, despite not knowing him, exemplifies how selflessness can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
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