Chapter Overview
Three Questions is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy. It narrates the tale of a king who seeks answers to three important questions: What is the right time to do something?, Who are the most important people?, and What is the most important thing to do? The king consults wise men but finds no satisfactory answers. Eventually, a hermit helps him realize that the best time to act is now, 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 conveys a deep philosophical lesson about living in the present and being kind to others.
Important Keywords
- King: The protagonist seeking wisdom.
- Three Questions: Central theme of the story.
- Wise Men: Advisors who fail to give the right answers.
- Hermit: A wise old man who helps the king.
- Enemy: A wounded man who the king unknowingly helps.
- Right Time: The present moment.
- Important Person: The one you are with.
- Most Important Task: Doing good for others.
- Wisdom: The true understanding of life.
- Compassion: The key message of the story.