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Three Questions
The story takes the form of a parable, and it concerns a king who wants to find the answers to what he considers the three most important questions in life. When is the best time to do each thing? Who are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times? (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
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First published January 1, 1885
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About the author
Leo Tolstoy
7,878 books28.2k followersLev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (Russian: Лев Николаевич Толстой; most appropriately used Liev Tolstoy; commonly Leo Tolstoy in Anglophone countries) was a Russian writer who primarily wrote novels and short stories. Later in life, he also wrote plays and essays. His two most famous works, the novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are acknowledged as two of the greatest novels of all time and a pinnacle of realist fiction. Many consider Tolstoy to have been one of the world's greatest novelists. Tolstoy is equally known for his complicated and paradoxical persona and for his extreme moralistic and ascetic views, which he adopted after a moral crisis and spiritual awakening in the 1870s, after which he also became noted as a moral thinker and social reformer.
His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
January 18, 2018
ثلاثة مسائل
1- مناقشة مكافحة الشر بالشر وليس بالحوار
2- مناقشة استمرار الناس بعمل شيء لتعودهم عليه والشكوى منه بدون محاولة التغيير وعدم الاستماع للنصيحة ومحاربتها
3- الخلاف والتشبث بالرأي لا يحل المشكلة وكأن كل جماعة تملك الحقيقة
1- مناقشة مكافحة الشر بالشر وليس بالحوار
2- مناقشة استمرار الناس بعمل شيء لتعودهم عليه والشكوى منه بدون محاولة التغيير وعدم الاستماع للنصيحة ومحاربتها
3- الخلاف والتشبث بالرأي لا يحل المشكلة وكأن كل جماعة تملك الحقيقة
April 7, 2021
LitReading - Classic Short Stories
“Remember that there is only one important time and it is Now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future? The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at your side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.”
“Remember that there is only one important time and it is Now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future? The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at your side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.”
December 23, 2019
من حس ميكنم اين داستانها واسه اون زمان خوب بود،فك كنم ديگه الان جواب نيست!
September 21, 2025
تنها یک زمان است که بسیار ارزشمند است و آن “اکنون” است.
August 22, 2022
ما هو أفضل الأوقات لعمل كل شيء؟
من هم الناس الاكثر اهمية للعمل معهم؟
ما هو أهم شيء تفعله في كل الأوقات؟
من هم الناس الاكثر اهمية للعمل معهم؟
ما هو أهم شيء تفعله في كل الأوقات؟
May 24, 2016
The Three Questions get's three stars, one for each question.
April 14, 2023
یادِ انشاهای دوران دبیرستانم افتادم😅
July 7, 2016
My regards to Mr. Tolstoy, and his very important fable about a king and a hermit.
The requisite read for every human being.
The 3 Questions:
1. How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time?
2. Who are the people whom I most need, and to whom I should pay the most attention?
3. What affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?
The requisite read for every human being.
The 3 Questions:
1. How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time?
2. Who are the people whom I most need, and to whom I should pay the most attention?
3. What affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?
November 13, 2018
اکنون آیا همین است که اکنون در آن حضور دارم؟!
اینجا تولستوی میگه که هر موقعی ، هر غلطی ، با هر کس و نا کسی ، که شد انجام بده، فقط حواست باشه با عشق و نیکی انجام بده، همین! :|
اینجا تولستوی میگه که هر موقعی ، هر غلطی ، با هر کس و نا کسی ، که شد انجام بده، فقط حواست باشه با عشق و نیکی انجام بده، همین! :|
April 22, 2021
من اینو چند وقت پیش، موقع رانندگی گوش کرده بودم.
خیلی سعی کرده بود داستان خفنی باشه ولی شبیه کپشن‌های اینستاگرامی بود.
بازم خداروشکر تولستوی ۱۰۰۰ صفحه ننوشت که به نتیجه‌ی این داستان برسه :)
خیلی سعی کرده بود داستان خفنی باشه ولی شبیه کپشن‌های اینستاگرامی بود.
بازم خداروشکر تولستوی ۱۰۰۰ صفحه ننوشت که به نتیجه‌ی این داستان برسه :)
June 5, 2021
تنها یک زمان است که بسیار ارزشمند است و آن اکنون است، مهمترین شخص برای تو آن کسی است که با او هستی و مهمترین کار انجام کار نیک است .
December 19, 2022
“Remember that there is only one important time and it is Now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future? The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at you side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.”
December 11, 2014
'What day is it?'
'It's today.'
'Oh.! My favorite day..'
A beautiful story it was,enjoyable and enlightening at the same time. I like these sort of stories,the ones with a sage and a pupil(whoever gets the knowledge). The plot was perfect. You can expect nothing less from a master writer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
'It's today.'
'Oh.! My favorite day..'
A beautiful story it was,enjoyable and enlightening at the same time. I like these sort of stories,the ones with a sage and a pupil(whoever gets the knowledge). The plot was perfect. You can expect nothing less from a master writer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
February 2, 2025
Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy is a short yet profound fable that addresses themes of wisdom, morality, and the search for meaning in life. The story centers around a king who seeks answers to three important questions:
What is the right time to begin everything?
Who are the right people to listen to?
What is the most important thing to do?
In his quest for answers, the king consults various wise men, but it is a chance encounter with a humble hermit that ultimately provides the profound lessons he is seeking. Through this simple yet impactful narrative, Tolstoy illustrates that the answers to these questions are rooted in living with compassion, presence, and a sense of duty in each moment.
What makes Three Questions especially compelling is its clear and accessible message. Tolstoy doesn't offer complex philosophical concepts but instead distills his wisdom into easily understandable life lessons. The novella teaches that the present moment is the most important time, that the people in need around us are the ones who matter most, and that our primary focus should be on acting with kindness and service to others.
The story is short, yet its simplicity is part of its power. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might answer these three questions in the pursuit of a meaningful existence. The tale's moral, which centers on humility, compassion, and the importance of living with integrity, resonates with readers of all ages.
Overall, Three Questions is a beautifully concise and thought-provoking work that distills Tolstoy's deep spiritual beliefs into a timeless fable. It’s an ideal read for anyone seeking insight into how to live a more purposeful and compassionate life.
What is the right time to begin everything?
Who are the right people to listen to?
What is the most important thing to do?
In his quest for answers, the king consults various wise men, but it is a chance encounter with a humble hermit that ultimately provides the profound lessons he is seeking. Through this simple yet impactful narrative, Tolstoy illustrates that the answers to these questions are rooted in living with compassion, presence, and a sense of duty in each moment.
What makes Three Questions especially compelling is its clear and accessible message. Tolstoy doesn't offer complex philosophical concepts but instead distills his wisdom into easily understandable life lessons. The novella teaches that the present moment is the most important time, that the people in need around us are the ones who matter most, and that our primary focus should be on acting with kindness and service to others.
The story is short, yet its simplicity is part of its power. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might answer these three questions in the pursuit of a meaningful existence. The tale's moral, which centers on humility, compassion, and the importance of living with integrity, resonates with readers of all ages.
Overall, Three Questions is a beautifully concise and thought-provoking work that distills Tolstoy's deep spiritual beliefs into a timeless fable. It’s an ideal read for anyone seeking insight into how to live a more purposeful and compassionate life.
October 3, 2019
این ایده رو اگر جناب سعدی قلم‌فرسایی کرده بودند، بی‌شک شاهد حکایت معرکه‌ای می‌بودیم.
نداشتم ازتون انتظار این رو آقای تولستوی.
نداشتم ازتون انتظار این رو آقای تولستوی.
February 20, 2017
"There is only one time that is important - Now!"
A parable about an emperor who is seeking the answers to three questions. He ultimately gets the answers from a hermit, following a chain of unexpected events.
A parable about an emperor who is seeking the answers to three questions. He ultimately gets the answers from a hermit, following a chain of unexpected events.
March 7, 2016
Must read. Review is unnecessary.
October 15, 2018
اکنون را دریاب
April 24, 2015
After reading Anna Karenina ( 5 /5 stars ) a few years ago , the time when I was still looking for a job; plus this recent A Confession ( 4 /5 stars ), and being borne upon the fact that Leo Tolstoy is considered by prominent literary lovers from different aspects of society as the unparalleled best novelist in the world , I promised myself that I would read all his books at my disposal , more even so that we can have now an access to any classics in the internet. Since I cannot splurge on his other books yet , that I want to collect in my own library someday, I would begin with his short stories as one of my friends on Goodreads put it and thus I would call this mission from now on : “ Tolstoy Marathon”.
Tolstoy Marathon # 1 The Emperor’s Three Questions or simply known as The Three Questions
An emperor philosophically existentialistic would give a great reward to whoever could best answer his three a la riddle questions :
First: What is the best time to do each thing?
Second: What is the most important people to work with?
Third: What is the most important to do at all time?
Unsatisfied with the answers of the persons who had at once made way to the palace , the emperor turned to a hermit living in a far forest. As the emperor only saw the small forest of the forest, he ended up realizing the answers based on his experience with the said hermit and a persecutor.
The emperor learned that :It is important to live at the present time, with whom the people you are , and how to make them happy.
___________________________________________
Somehow enlightened, the Emperor promised that he would apply the insight by heart. As he wanted to have a second opinion, it occurred to him that there was one person known throughout his kingdom he had not turned to yet: the bookworm , living in a house filled with books to the rafter somewhere in Timbuktu.
Reaching the book lover’s dwelling place, the emperor found him sitting on a sofa, burying himself in a voluminous book and around him was the musty stacks of books he had to keep up with.
“ It must be a novel by James Joyce “, thought the emperor.
When the bookworm saw the emperor, he nodded his head in greeting and continued to immerse himself in the book.
The emperor approached him and said, “ I have come here to ask your second opinion with three questions:
When is the best time to do each thing?
Who are the most important people to work with?
What is the most important thing to do at all times?”
Hearing these, the bookworm put down the book; his eyes popped out, sparkled with interest in the questions. He looked as though he had not gone to bed yet, for he had been reading the whole night.
“ Your Majesty, just read and read and read.”
Blushed by the answer, “ How about the most important people to work with? “
“ Your Majesty, make friends with the other bookworms and be part of their book clubs.”
Noticing the bookworm unmoved from his crossed- sitting position and his eyes backed to the book, for he was used to being paid homage.
” Seriously, what is the most important thing to do at all times?”
“Share your ideas you have learned from the books with the people .”
Weird he looked for the Emperor and stifled an air of disappointment, off he went leaving the bookworm with his business.
Tolstoy Marathon # 1 The Emperor’s Three Questions or simply known as The Three Questions
An emperor philosophically existentialistic would give a great reward to whoever could best answer his three a la riddle questions :
First: What is the best time to do each thing?
Second: What is the most important people to work with?
Third: What is the most important to do at all time?
Unsatisfied with the answers of the persons who had at once made way to the palace , the emperor turned to a hermit living in a far forest. As the emperor only saw the small forest of the forest, he ended up realizing the answers based on his experience with the said hermit and a persecutor.
The emperor learned that :It is important to live at the present time, with whom the people you are , and how to make them happy.
___________________________________________
Somehow enlightened, the Emperor promised that he would apply the insight by heart. As he wanted to have a second opinion, it occurred to him that there was one person known throughout his kingdom he had not turned to yet: the bookworm , living in a house filled with books to the rafter somewhere in Timbuktu.
Reaching the book lover’s dwelling place, the emperor found him sitting on a sofa, burying himself in a voluminous book and around him was the musty stacks of books he had to keep up with.
“ It must be a novel by James Joyce “, thought the emperor.
When the bookworm saw the emperor, he nodded his head in greeting and continued to immerse himself in the book.
The emperor approached him and said, “ I have come here to ask your second opinion with three questions:
When is the best time to do each thing?
Who are the most important people to work with?
What is the most important thing to do at all times?”
Hearing these, the bookworm put down the book; his eyes popped out, sparkled with interest in the questions. He looked as though he had not gone to bed yet, for he had been reading the whole night.
“ Your Majesty, just read and read and read.”
Blushed by the answer, “ How about the most important people to work with? “
“ Your Majesty, make friends with the other bookworms and be part of their book clubs.”
Noticing the bookworm unmoved from his crossed- sitting position and his eyes backed to the book, for he was used to being paid homage.
” Seriously, what is the most important thing to do at all times?”
“Share your ideas you have learned from the books with the people .”
Weird he looked for the Emperor and stifled an air of disappointment, off he went leaving the bookworm with his business.
July 14, 2015
"The power of NOW"!
October 29, 2017
کوتاه مختصر مفید.
در اکنون زندگی کنید و اکنون را در انجام کار نیک بگذرانید.
در اکنون زندگی کنید و اکنون را در انجام کار نیک بگذرانید.
October 24, 2019
What is the right time for every action, who are the most necessary people, and what is the most important thing to do?
These are the three questions that a king asked a hermit.
Tolstoy emphasizes the importance of human values throughout the history of the king.
Three questions is a short story that I read in less than an hour, and I really enjoyed it.
These are the three questions that a king asked a hermit.
Tolstoy emphasizes the importance of human values throughout the history of the king.
Three questions is a short story that I read in less than an hour, and I really enjoyed it.
September 21, 2025
به یاد داشته باش:
تنها یک زمان است که بسیار ارزشمند است و آن «اکنون» است. این مهمترین زمان است زیرا تنها در این زمان است که تو قدرت داری.
تنها یک زمان است که بسیار ارزشمند است و آن «اکنون» است. این مهمترین زمان است زیرا تنها در این زمان است که تو قدرت داری.
December 28, 2013
This is an attempt to answer three philosophic questions - What is the best time to do each thing? Who
are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times? - In the end he answers the questions with the meaning of his story. There is no better time to help people other than now. There is no one as important as the needy before us at each critical moment. Love your neighbor as yourself.
are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times? - In the end he answers the questions with the meaning of his story. There is no better time to help people other than now. There is no one as important as the needy before us at each critical moment. Love your neighbor as yourself.
September 24, 2017
A simple short story that reminds us to be mindful and live in the present as it is the only time we have any control over.
July 27, 2018
2.5 Stars
May 4, 2023
An awesome short story everyone should read. It feels like a throwback (and it is) in the most beautiful way possible!
September 2, 2020
داستانی مینی مال در مورد ارزش کارها!
September 18, 2021
Short n sweet
August 30, 2016
"The Emperor's Three Questions" (or just "Three Questions") could be, dare I say it, the most uplifting piece of writing I've ever read by a Russian — and that's even with an attack, a stabbing and a long-past execution.
A king goes on a journey, in this story, to have some of his greatest questions answered for him. The men he encounters along the way unwittingly provide his answers to him, and a wise hermit teaches him a lesson about how to live his life. It's a bit of a hokey, cliched answer to the king's problems, but it's a good lesson. I was a bit surprised the story ended as it did, with no more violence, and an actual, clear ending. Quite different from the other Tolstoy I've read.
A king goes on a journey, in this story, to have some of his greatest questions answered for him. The men he encounters along the way unwittingly provide his answers to him, and a wise hermit teaches him a lesson about how to live his life. It's a bit of a hokey, cliched answer to the king's problems, but it's a good lesson. I was a bit surprised the story ended as it did, with no more violence, and an actual, clear ending. Quite different from the other Tolstoy I've read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews