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The Three Questions

"The Three Questions" is a parable written by Russian author Leo Tolstoy and first published in 1903 as part of his collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales.^[1] The story centers on a king who believes that knowing the answers to three essential questions—What is the right time for every action? Who are the most necessary people? And what is the most important thing to do?—would make him the perfect ruler.^[2] Dissatisfied with the conflicting advice from learned scholars, the king disguises himself and visits a reclusive hermit in the woods, where he assists with manual labor and unexpectedly saves a wounded man who turns out to be his enemy.^[1] Through these experiences, the hermit reveals the answers: the most important time is always the present moment, the most necessary person is the one you are with at that time, and the most important action is to do good for that person.^[2] The narrative explores profound philosophical and moral themes, including the value of living in the now, the interconnectedness of human relationships, and the primacy of compassion and altruism over abstract knowledge.^[3] Tolstoy, known for his Christian anarchist views and emphasis on ethical living, uses the story to illustrate that true wisdom arises from practical, selfless deeds rather than intellectual pursuits.^[1] Translated into numerous languages, the tale has influenced readers worldwide and inspired adaptations, such as Jon J. Muth's 2002 children's book, which reimagines the parable with anthropomorphic animals and was notably read aloud by actress Meryl Streep in 2024.^[4]^[5]

Background and Publication

Authorship and Composition

In the late 1870s, Leo Tolstoy underwent a profound spiritual crisis that profoundly shaped his later writings, leading him to embrace a radical interpretation of Christianity emphasizing nonviolence, simplicity, and moral living. This period, detailed in his autobiographical work A Confession (published 1882), marked Tolstoy's rejection of materialism and his turn toward ethical teachings derived directly from the Gospels, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which he viewed as the core of Christ's message on love, humility, and action in the present moment.^[6]^[7] By the 1880s, following this crisis, Tolstoy entered what is often described as his Christian anarchist phase, where he focused on creating moral parables and folktales to convey ethical lessons accessible to ordinary readers, including peasants. "The Three Questions," composed around 1885, emerged as part of this effort, integrated into his collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales, a series of short ethical stories intended to illustrate Christian principles through simple narratives. Tolstoy's emphasis on parables during this time reflected his belief that profound truths could be communicated more effectively through accessible, fable-like forms than through complex philosophy.^[8]^[9] The story's creation was also influenced by Tolstoy's personal interactions with rural folk and reclusive figures, whom he encountered during his deliberate immersion in peasant life. In 1881, Tolstoy undertook a pilgrimage to a monastery, disguising himself as a peasant to experience the simplicity and faith of common people, an event that deepened his appreciation for their unpretentious wisdom. These encounters, including conversations with hermits and laborers on his Yasnaya Polyana estate, inspired the character of the wise hermit in "The Three Questions," embodying Tolstoy's ideal of intuitive moral insight drawn from lived humility rather than intellectual abstraction.^[10]^[11]

Publication History

"The Three Questions" was first published in Russian in 1885 as part of Leo Tolstoy's collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales (Чем люди живут).^[3] This anthology gathered several of Tolstoy's moral parables intended for popular readership, reflecting his growing focus on ethical and spiritual themes during the 1880s.^[12] The story's first English translation appeared in 1903, rendered by Aylmer and Louise Maude, and was included in collections such as What Men Live By, and Other Tales.^[13] It gained wider dissemination through subsequent anthologies, including the 1906 volume Twenty-Three Tales, also translated by the Maudes, which compiled various Tolstoy short stories for international audiences.^[14] Nathan Haskell Dole, a prolific Tolstoy translator, contributed to English editions of related works but did not render this particular story; instead, the Maude version became the standard early English text.^[12] In the Soviet era, Tolstoy's writings, including "The Three Questions," continued to be published as part of his literary canon, though religious and pacifist elements were sometimes censored or reinterpreted to align with state ideology.^[7] Post-1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, uncensored reprints proliferated in Russia, restoring the story's original moral and philosophical nuances in new editions and school anthologies.^[7] These modern publications often highlight Tolstoy's influence on ethical education, briefly referencing his broader moral philosophy as seen in works like The Kingdom of God Is Within You.

Narrative Elements

Plot Summary

It occurred to a certain king that if he knew the answers to three questions, he would never fail in any undertaking. These questions were: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest? What affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?^[1] The king issued a decree throughout his kingdom, announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward. Many learned men came before him, but their responses varied widely and satisfied him not. Some advised that to know the right time for every action, one must draw up in advance a table of days, months, and years, and strictly adhere to it. Others claimed there was no real foreseeing and that one should simply stay alert and not let the time for action slip by. Regarding the most necessary people, some said the king's councilors were paramount, while others suggested priests, doctors, or warriors, depending on the circumstance. For the most important occupation, answers ranged from science and study to warfare or devotion to religious rites. Dissatisfied with these conflicting opinions, the king decided to consult a hermit renowned for his wisdom.^[1] The hermit lived in a wood not far from the king's palace and saw only common folk, so the king left his bodyguard behind, donned simple clothes, and rode alone to the hermitage. Upon arriving, he found the hermit digging beds in front of his hut; the old man was frail and breathed heavily from the labor. The king dismounted, approached, and repeated his three questions, but the hermit made no reply and continued digging. Seeing the hermit's exhaustion, the king took up the spade and began to dig in the hermit's place. For hours, they worked together until the sun began to set, at which point the king, tired from the effort, stopped and addressed the hermit again. Still, the hermit remained silent.^[1] Just then, a large bearded man stumbled out from the forest toward them, clutching his side where blood poured from a large wound. The man fainted before reaching them, and the king and hermit carried him into the hut. The king washed and bandaged the wound until the bleeding stopped, then searched for water, tore linen for fresh dressings, and sat beside the man all night, changing the bandages as needed. By morning, the wounded man revived and asked for food; the king gave it to him, and soon the man fell asleep. As the wounded man slept, the king stepped outside to fetch water and, upon returning, found the hermit sitting beside the stranger.^[1] The king asked the hermit once more to answer his questions, but the hermit replied that he would do so now. He explained that before the king arrived, he had no need to know what people were most necessary, for there were none but himself; but when the king began to help with the digging, the hermit became the most important person, and the present moment the most important time, for the king was doing good by aiding him. Then, when the wounded man appeared, he became the most important person, and the king once more acted rightly by tending to him instead of persisting with the questions. Thus, the hermit concluded, the most important time is always the present, the most necessary people are those one is with at the moment, and the most important thing is to do good to them.^[1] Remembering the wounded man, the king returned to the hut and found him awake. The bearded man confessed that he had been the king's enemy, having sought revenge for an injury done to him by the king, who had executed his brother and seized his property. He had come that day to kill the king as he approached the hermitage, lying in wait by the road, but the king had passed by without notice. In pursuing the king on foot, he had encountered the king's bodyguard, who recognized and wounded him severely. Grateful for the king's aid in saving his life, the man begged forgiveness and vowed loyalty. The king pardoned him, promising to return his property and promising to deal fairly with his enemies henceforth. The king then bade farewell to the hermit and departed for his palace.^[1]

Characters

The king serves as the central protagonist, depicted as a thoughtful and humble ruler driven by a profound desire for wisdom to govern effectively. He disguises himself in simple attire to approach the hermit, symbolizing his willingness to set aside royal status in pursuit of truth.^[2]^[3] The hermit is portrayed as an elderly, frail wise man residing in seclusion within a forest, embodying ideals of spiritual detachment and simplicity through his modest lifestyle and tireless labor. His role highlights purity and practical enlightenment, contrasting with more formal sources of knowledge.^[2]^[3] The wounded man appears as an initially antagonistic figure, a bearded individual harboring deep enmity toward the king due to personal loss, including the death of his brother. His transformation from vengeful adversary to grateful ally underscores themes of reconciliation, illustrating how acts of compassion can mend broken relationships.^[2]^[3] Minor characters, such as scholars, priests, and warriors consulted by the king, represent flawed advisors whose conflicting opinions on the three questions reveal the limitations of intellectual or institutional authority, in stark contrast to the hermit's unadorned wisdom.^[2]

Themes and Analysis

The Three Questions and Their Answers

The central element of Leo Tolstoy's short story "The Three Questions" revolves around a king's quest for wisdom through three fundamental inquiries about time, people, and action, which the hermit ultimately resolves with a unified moral perspective emphasizing presence and benevolence. The first question concerns time: "How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time?" The hermit's response identifies the present moment as paramount, stating, "There is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power." This answer underscores the futility of obsessing over past regrets or future uncertainties, directing focus instead to immediate opportunities for meaningful engagement. The second question addresses interpersonal priorities: "Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest?" Here, the hermit replies that "the most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with any one else." This principle rejects hierarchical or strategic alliances in favor of attending to those immediately present, fostering authentic connections without anticipation of future benefits. The third question pertains to action: "What affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?" The hermit's answer prioritizes altruism, declaring, "The most important affair is, to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!" This directive frames human existence as oriented toward service to others, integrating the prior answers into a cohesive ethic where the present interaction demands compassionate deeds. Collectively, these resolutions form an explicit moral framework rooted in Christian ethics, particularly Tolstoy's interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, which stresses immediate compassion and equates aiding the needy with serving the divine—thus prioritizing tangible acts of kindness over abstract planning or self-interest.

Philosophical Interpretations

Tolstoy's "The Three Questions" aligns closely with his philosophy of Christian non-resistance to evil by force, a core tenet outlined in his 1894 treatise The Kingdom of God Is Within You, where he interprets Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as mandating love for enemies and the rejection of all violence, including participation in state institutions that enforce coercion. In the story, the king's act of bandaging the wounded man—who reveals himself as a vengeful enemy—and subsequently forgiving him exemplifies this non-resistant ethic, transforming potential conflict into reconciliation without retaliation or appeal to authority.^[15] This narrative device underscores Tolstoy's broader critique of state power as antithetical to genuine moral action, echoing his view that true service to others dissolves hierarchical violence.^[15] Interpretations of the tale often link its emphasis on the present moment to mindfulness practices and existential concerns. The story critiques rationalism in favor of intuitive wisdom, portraying the king's initial reliance on scholarly advisors and planned strategies as futile, while the hermit's experiential guidance—gained through compassionate deeds—reveals profound truths. This anti-intellectual stance highlights Tolstoy's belief that abstract reasoning obscures ethical clarity, whereas intuitive empathy fosters genuine understanding, as the king's unplanned aid to the hermit and injured man yields the sought-after answers. Modern post-2000 analyses offer psychological readings of the narrative, interpreting it as a framework for trauma recovery through addressing regret and cultivating forgiveness. By urging focus on the present to avoid dwelling on past failures, the story mitigates remorse, as seen in the king's inadvertent resolution of his enemy's grudge via merciful intervention, promoting emotional healing and relational restoration in therapeutic contexts.^[3]

Adaptations and Legacy

Film and Media Adaptations

One prominent visual adaptation is Jon J. Muth's 2002 children's book The Three Questions, which reimagines Tolstoy's parable with a young boy named Nikolai and his anthropomorphic animal friends, including a wise turtle named Stillwater, set against serene, watercolor landscapes that evoke introspection and compassion.^[4] This illustrated version shifts the protagonist from a king to a child to enhance relatability for young readers, while preserving the core narrative of seeking answers to when to act, whom to prioritize, and what actions matter most. The book has inspired several animated short films and video adaptations, often used in educational contexts to highlight the story's moral depth. For instance, a 2021 animated adaptation based on Muth's version features fluid, hand-drawn animation that emphasizes emotional moments, such as Nikolai's encounters with his friends, and has been widely shared online for classroom use.^[16] Another example is a 2021 picture book-style animation narrated in English, which incorporates gentle music and visuals of natural settings to underscore the parable's timeless wisdom.^[17] These productions typically simplify intense elements, like the wounded man's backstory, to focus on themes of kindness suitable for children. In audio media, the story has been recorded as audiobooks that highlight its suitability for oral storytelling. Additionally, a 2024 YouTube reading by Meryl Streep brings a dramatic yet tender tone to the tale, drawing on the actress's expressive delivery to emphasize the king's transformation through service and presence; this performance won a Children's & Family Emmy in March 2025.^[5]^[18] Educational online videos adapt the story for moral lessons, integrating literature with animation to teach empathy and decision-making.^[19] Overall, these adaptations prioritize accessibility and emotional resonance over literal fidelity, often softening the original's dramatic tension to align with the parable's emphasis on living in the now.

Influence in Literature and Education

Since its publication in 1885 as part of Leo Tolstoy's collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales, "The Three Questions" has been frequently anthologized in children's literature, particularly in English translations and adaptations from the early 20th century onward, such as the 1918 Stratford Company edition, to impart moral lessons on empathy and ethical decision-making.^[3] The story's parable structure, featuring a king's quest for wisdom, encourages young readers to reflect on prioritizing the present moment, relationships, and compassionate actions, making it a staple in elementary school curricula for fostering emotional intelligence and critical thinking about life's priorities.^[20] For instance, Jon J. Muth's 2002 illustrated adaptation, published by Scholastic, has been integrated into classroom resources worldwide, including teacher guides from organizations like Storyline Online, where it prompts discussions on altruism and dynamic ethical choices.^[21]^[22] The narrative's emphasis on living fully in the "now" has influenced self-help and mindfulness literature, serving as a foundational parable for practices centered on presence and intentionality. Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh retold the story in his 1975 book The Miracle of Mindfulness, interpreting the hermit's answers as a guide to mindful living, where the present moment is the only time for meaningful action and connection, thereby bridging Tolstoy's Christian ethics with Eastern contemplative traditions.^[23] This reference has inspired subsequent works in positive psychology and personal development, such as a 2016 article in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education that applies the three questions to professional well-being and resilience, highlighting their role in motivational frameworks for self-reflection and purposeful decision-making.^[3] In educational settings globally, "The Three Questions" supports ethics curricula by promoting discussions on moral agency and empathy, with post-2000 resources like the Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) recommending it for K-12 philosophy classes to explore right action and interpersonal priorities.^[20] It appears in international school syllabi, including grade 11 English programs in Nepal and undergraduate literature courses in India and Pakistan, where it teaches selfless kindness and present-focused ethics. Although UNESCO has honored Tolstoy's broader educational philosophy—emphasizing freedom and moral development in peasant schools—no specific endorsement of the story exists, yet its themes align with global ethics education initiatives post-2000 that draw on literary parables for character building.^[24] The story's legacy endures in popular culture through its quotable insights, such as the hermit's declaration that "now" is the most important time, which frequently appears in motivational speeches and writings on leadership and mindfulness to underscore immediacy and compassion.^[3] Plough Publishing republished the original in January 2025, sustaining scholarly discussions on its timeless wisdom up to the present.^[2] Adaptations like Muth's version have served as accessible entry points, amplifying its reach in contemporary inspirational contexts.

References

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Three Questions - Marxists Internet Archive
The King went up to him and said: 'I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right ...
[2]
The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy - Plough Quarterly
What is the right time, who are the right people, and what is the most important thing to do? Revisit Tolstoy's classic short story.
[3]
Your Best Life: Tolstoy's Three Questions for Life - PMC - NIH
When is the right time for every action? · Who are the right people to listen to? · What is the most important thing to do? [5].
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The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] - Amazon.com
Grade 1-4-Young Nikolai questions Sonya, the heron; Gogol, the monkey; and Pushkin, the dog: "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one?
[5]
'The Three Questions' read by Meryl Streep - YouTube
May 15, 2024 · ... Leo Tolstoy, transforming it into a timeless fable for young readers. View the activity guide here: https://bit.ly/thethre... Watch all of ...
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Beyond War and Peace: Tolstoy's Theory of Nonviolence
Jul 8, 2025 · In the 1870s, Tolstoy went through an intense spiritual struggle that resulted in a commitment to live according to Christ's teachings — ...
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[PDF] The Manipulation of Tolstoy's Legacy in Russian Culture and Society
Apr 27, 2015 · Tolstoy's social and religious views developed more fully during his “spiritual crisis” of the late 1870s, in which he became “the most ...
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Tolstoy and Anarchism | The Anarchist Library
Tolstoy's politics, which combined Christianity, pacifism and anarchism, has always been a source of disquiet to his many biographers, and to many Marxists too.Missing: phase parables
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Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) and the Parables
Jan 5, 2016 · One of the best examples of Leo Tolstoy's view of Christian morality is found in his 1885 short story, “Where Love is, God is.
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Tolstoy disguises himself as a peasant and leaves on a pilgrimage
On June 10, 1881, Count Leo Tolstoy sets off on a pilgrimage to a monastery disguised as a peasant. Tolstoy had already produced his two greatest masterpieces.
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Six Life Lessons From Leo Tolstoy, by Roman Krznaric - DailyGood
Although no doubt tinged with paternalism, Tolstoy enjoyed the company of peasants and consciously began to shun the literary and aristocratic elite in the ...
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### Publication History and Translator for "The Three Questions"
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May 17, 2025 · "Three Questions," translation by Aylmer and Louise Maude, published in Twenty-three Tales (1906) · "Three Questions," translation by Rochelle S.Missing: first | Show results with:first
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Jul 5, 2021 · PART I: TALES FOR CHILDREN: PUBLISHED ABOUT 1872. ... PART II: POPULAR STORIES. ... PART III: A FAIRY TALE. ... PART IV: STORIES WRITTEN TO PICTURES ( ...
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Jul 6, 2006 · Nonetheless, some pacifists, such as Tolstoy, do appear to advocate nonresistance. Tolstoy said, for example, “the only means of deliverance ...
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The aim of this paper is to give an existentialist reading to certain themes in Tolstoyan literature. For this purpose three themes have been taken up for ...
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The Three Questions - PLATO
Aug 12, 2008 · “There once was a boy named Nikolai who sometimes felt uncertain about the right way to act. 'I want to be a good person,' he told his ...Missing: analysis | Show results with:analysis
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The Three Questions - YouTube
Sep 15, 2021 · Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. Written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth.
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May 22, 2021 · 'The Three Questions' by Leo Tolstoy tale picture book story for children from Russian writer -------------------- Story read by Dan from ...
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In Three Questions, Leo Tolstoy delivers a timeless story about a king in search of wisdom. When scholars fail to give him clear answers, a visit to a humble ...
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Three Questions Animated Story in English || Class 12 | Leo Tolstoy
Aug 8, 2022 · Here's a short film on Leo Tolstoy's famous story "Three Questions" especially for Class 12 students. So that viewers can easily understand ...
[22]
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Jan 29, 2020 · Procedure: 1. As a class, review the three questions and why they are important to Nikolai. 2. Give an example of a question that you have, ...
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Summary. The Three Questions explores questions of altruism and living “in the moment” and introduces the concept of dynamic choice.Missing: Tolstoy | Show results with:Tolstoy
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The emperor wished to find the hermit to ask him the three questions, though ... meditation - mindfulness - miracles · mistakes - mistrust - moderation ...
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'8 In Tolstoy's view, freedom in education was a gnoseological and moral principle which had to be put into practice; it was the antithesis of authoritarian ...
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The winner will be announced in early November, and the selected essay will be published in our next issue in early 2025. ... “The Three Questions.” Leo Tolstoy.