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Leo Tolstoy's short story “Three Questions” was first published in 1885 as part of the collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales.

"The Three Questions" is a story about a king who seeks answers three questions:

What is the best time to begin something? Who are the most important people to listen to? What is the most important thing to do?

After receiving unsatisfactory answers from many groups of people, he consults a hermit and through his actions learns his answers: the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing is to do good for that person.

The hermit reminds us of now as "the only time when we have any power." Tolstoy's story has helped me to:

"Remember then: 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."

Content Note:

This episode contains scenes of violence consistent with some classic stories.

A look ahead:

Wednesday, April 8th - "The Elephant's Child" by Rudyard Kipling

Wednesday, April 15th - "Prometheus and Pandora"

Wednesday, April 22nd - "Princess on the Glass Hill"

Leo Tolstoy's short story collection What Men Live By, and Other Tales was first published in 1885 and is in the public domain.

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