About the Author
Leo Tolstoy was a famous writer from Russia. He was born on September 9, 1828, in a big house called Yasnaya Polyana. His family was rich and important, but he lost his parents when he was young. An aunt took care of him and his brothers. As a boy, Tolstoy loved reading books and playing outside. He went to school at home with teachers and later to a university, but he did not finish because he was not happy there.
When Tolstoy grew up, he joined the army and saw fights in a war. This made him write his first stories about growing up, like Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth. He became very famous for big books like War and Peace, which tells about a big war in Russia, and Anna Karenina, a story about love and family problems. Later in life, Tolstoy wanted to live simply and help others. He wrote small stories with good lessons, like "Three Questions." His ideas about peace and kindness changed many people's lives. Tolstoy died on November 20, 1910, at the age of 82. Today, we read his books to learn about feelings and right ways to live.
What’s the Story About?
This story is about a kind king who wants to be the best ruler. He thinks that if he knows the answers to three big questions, he will always do the right things and never make mistakes. The three questions are: What is the best time to start any work? Which people should he listen to most? And what is the most important job he should do every day?
The king tells everyone in his land about these questions. He says he will give lots of money to anyone who can answer them right. Many smart people come to the palace. But each one gives a different answer. Some say the king should make a time table for everything. Others say he should ask magic people who can see the future. For the second question, some say listen to priests, some say to soldiers, and some say to doctors. For the third, they say do science, or fight wars, or pray a lot. The king is not happy because all answers are mixed up. So, he decides to go alone to meet a wise old man who lives in the forest. This old man is called a hermit. He only talks to simple people, so the king wears normal clothes and leaves his horse and guards behind.
When the king reaches the hermit's small hut, he sees the old man digging the ground with a spade. The king asks the three questions, but the hermit does not answer. He just keeps digging. The king sees that the hermit is old and tired, so he takes the spade and digs two rows of ground for him. The sun is going down, and the king is sad because still no answer. He says he will go home. Just then, a man with a big beard comes running. He is hurt badly in his stomach and blood is coming out. The king and hermit help him. They take out the sword from his body, wash the cut, and tie cloth to stop the blood. The man faints but wakes up later. The king sits with him all night and changes the cloth on his wound.
Next morning, the hurt man tells the king that he is his enemy! Long ago, the king had punished the man's brother for some bad work and took his land. The man wanted to kill the king that day, but the king's guard hurt him first. Now, the man is so thankful that the king saved his life. He says sorry and promises to be a good friend forever. The king feels happy and says he will give back the land and send doctors to help him.
After the man leaves, the king asks the hermit once more for answers. The hermit smiles and says the king already found them by what he did. If the king had not dug the ground to help the hermit, the enemy man would have come and attacked him. So, that time when he was digging was the most important time. The hermit was the most important person then, and helping him was the most important job. Later, when the hurt man came, that became the important time, the hurt man was the important person, and saving him was the important job. Because of that, the enemy became a friend. The hermit says: The best time for anything is always "now," because that is the only time we can do something. The most important person is the one who is with you right now. And the most important thing to do is to be kind and help that person, because that is why we are here on earth.
The story teaches us to live in the present and be good to others.
Who’s Who in the Story
- The King: He is the main person. He rules the land and wants to be wise. He asks the three questions and learns big lessons by helping others.
- The Hermit: He is an old, wise man who lives alone in the forest. He digs ground for plants and teaches the king without many words.
- The Bearded Man: He is the king's enemy at first. He has a big beard and comes hurt. He wanted to take revenge but becomes a friend after the king saves him.
Themes and Moral
Themes:
- Live in the Now: The story shows that we should not worry too much about past or future. The right time to act is always today, right this moment.
- Be Kind to Others: Helping people around you, even simple acts, can change bad things to good and make friends from enemies.
- True Wisdom Comes from Doing: Smart books or talks are good, but real learning happens when we act with a good heart.
- Forgive and Make Peace: Letting go of anger can bring happiness and stop fights.
Moral: The main lesson is to focus on the present. Be good to the person next to you right now. That is the way to a happy and wise life. Do good things today, because that is what matters most.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and short phrases from the story. I explain them in easy words:
- Certain: Sure or fixed, like "I am certain it will rain."
- Wise: Smart in a good way, knowing what is right.
- Hermit: A person who lives alone in a quiet place, away from crowds.
- Spade: A tool like a big spoon for digging dirt.
- Revenge: Getting back at someone who hurt you, like fighting back badly.
- Seized: Took something by force, without asking.
- Faithful: True and loyal, like a good friend who never leaves.
- Pledged: Promised strongly, like saying "I swear I will do it."
- Compassion: Feeling sorry for someone and wanting to help them.
- Affairs: Daily jobs or matters, like work at home or office.
- Observe: Watch carefully to understand something.
- Urgent: Something that needs to be done right away, very important now.
- Satisfied: Happy because you got what you wanted.
- Fainted: Fell down because you felt too weak or hurt.
- Phrase - "Do good": Help others with kindness, be nice to people.
These words help you understand the story better. Try using them in your own sentences!