Primary sourceBook1903
The Three Questions
Leo Tolstoy · 1903
A short parable by Tolstoy about a king seeking the answers to three fundamental questions of life.
A parable written by Tolstoy himself, showing his late philosophy of compassion and presence.
About this source
What it is
A short story written by Leo Tolstoy, included in the collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales. It tells of a king who seeks answers to three questions about time, people, and action from a wise hermit.
Why it matters
The parable reflects Tolstoy's later turn to writing simple moral tales for ordinary readers, expressing his belief that the present moment, the people around us, and helping others are what truly matter in life.
Look closer
- What does the hermit's answer suggest about Tolstoy's own values?
- Why does the king need to disguise himself to get a true answer?
- What does the illustration add to your understanding of the story's setting?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Leo Tolstoy on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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