I came across this classic story not long ago. It’s called “Three Questions” by Leo Tolstoy, and it was written in 1905. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t Tolstoy the one who wrote War and Peace? One of the longest books ever? And it’s true: Tolstoy wasn’t known for being concise. Fortunately, “Three Questions” is a short story, and I took the liberty of making it even shorter. But don’t worry; Tolstoy’s wonderful message still shines through.
Three Questions
It once occurred to a certain king that if he always knew the right time to begin everything; if he knew the right people to listen to; and above all; if he always knew the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything he might undertake.
(You’ll be surprised to see where this is headed.)
Offering a Reward
And this thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to anyone who would teach him what was the right time for every action, who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do.
And learned men came to the King, but they all answered his questions differently. Some said that one must draw up, in advance, a table of days, months, and years, and live strictly according to it. Others declared that it was impossible to decide beforehand the right time for every action. Equally various were the answers to the second question. Some said the most important people were councilors; others, the priests; others, the doctors; while some said the warriors were the most necessary. To the third question, as to what was the most important thing to do, some replied that it was science. Others said it was skill in warfare; and others, again, that it was religious worship.
Opposing Answers – Seek Counsel
All the answers being different, the King agreed with none of them, and gave the reward to none. But still wishing to find the right answers to his questions, he decided to consult a hermit, widely renowned for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never left, and received none but common folk. So the King put on simple clothes, left his bodyguard behind, and went to him alone. When the King approached, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut. Seeing the King, he greeted him and went on digging. The hermit was frail and weak, and each time he stuck his spade into the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily.
THE 3 Questions
The King went up to him and said: “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you the answer to three questions:
1) How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time?
2) Who are the people I most need?
3) And what affairs are the most important?”
First Set of Answers
The hermit listened to the King, but said nothing. He just spat on his hand and continued digging. “You are tired,” said the King. “Let me take the spade and work awhile for you.”
An hour passed, and another. The sun began to sink behind the trees, and at last the King stuck the spade into the ground and said: “I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me none, tell me so, and I will return home.”
Second Set of Answers
“Here comes someone running,” said the hermit. “Let us see who it is.” The King turned around, and saw a man coming out of the wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach, and blood was flowing under them. When he reached the King, he fainted. Together, the King and the hermit unfastened the man’s clothing. There was a large wound in his stomach. So the King again and again washed and re-bandaged the wound. When at last the blood ceased flowing, the man revived and asked for something to drink. The King brought fresh water and gave it to him.
“Forgive me!” said the man in a weak voice, when he saw the King.
“I do not know you, and have nothing to forgive you for,” said the King.
“You do not know me, but I know you. I am your enemy who swore to revenge himself on you, because you executed my brother and seized my property. I knew you had gone alone to see the hermit, and I resolved to kill you on your way back. But the day passed and you did not return. So I came out from my ambush to find you, and came upon your bodyguard, and they recognized me and wounded me. I escaped, but would have bled to death had you not dressed my wound. I wished to kill you, and you have saved my life. Now, if I live, I will serve as your most faithful servant, and bid my sons to do the same. Forgive me!”
The King was glad to have made peace with his enemy so easily, and he not only forgave him, but restored his property. Then the King went out onto the porch and looked for the hermit. “For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man.”
Finally – The “Real” Answers
“You have already been answered!” said the hermit.
“What do you mean?” asked the King.
“Do you not see?” replied the hermit. “If you had not pitied my weakness yesterday, and had not dug the ground for me, but had gone your way, that man would have attacked you. So the most important time was when you were digging the ground. And I was the most important man, and to do me good was the most important thing. Afterwards, when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds, he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was the most important thing.
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. The most important person is always he whom you are with, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with anyone else. And the most important thing to do is to always do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!”
The Financial Lesson?
- The most important time in our lives is always right now – start planning for Your 2nd Half If you’re already planning, don’t get complacent – things change continually, review your plan frequently.
- The most important people are the ones we are with at this very moment – the focus of your plan is on them, they are the reason you are planning.
- And the most important thing is to “always do them good.” Sure we can do them financial good, but let’s make it a practice in general to “do them good” – not just financially, but in every single thing we do!
If we follow the hermit’s advice, then I think that, like the King – with a little guidance – we will never be at a loss for what to do!
