The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy is a short story. It is about a king who seeks answers to three questions: What is the right time to do things? Who are the most important people? What is the most important thing to do? The king believes that the answers to these questions will help overcome anything. He announces a prize for anyone who can answer these questions correctly.
The king listens to scholars and courtiers seeking the answer to his questions. But he is left unsatisfied with what they say. Frustrated with their responses, the king hatches a plan to visit a humble hermit, who everyone says is very wise. By helping the hermit and unknowingly saving a wounded enemy, the king learns the answers to his questions.
The story has deep and philosophical themes, with its questions as well as answers. One of the themes that stood out for me was living in the present. We keep waiting for the right time to do something, but as the story progresses, it talks about mindfulness and living in the moment. There is no better time than now. Another theme it explores is the kindness and selflessness of an action. The king does not think or wonder who this wounded person is; instead, he instinctively tries to help him along the hermit. The injured man is actually his enemy, but after the kind act by the king, he pledges his loyalty to him.
I was a little intimidated to read Leo Tolstoy’s writing because I have failed to move past the first page of War and Peace for years. Reading this short story is a ease myself into the author’s writing style. The pacing and the development of the plot were on point from the start. There was an easy flow to the writing that I found engaging. The themes that make you think and ponder on philosophical questions are written in a subtle way.
Overall, The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy is an interesting short story. It has good writing and themes that keep you hooked. I like it when stories that are philosophical do not get preachy in their themes, but keep it subtle. I enjoyed reading this story.
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