Our first journey into prose takes us to a timeless tale by the famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoy. 'Three Questions' is a deceptively simple story that carries profound wisdom. It introduces us to a king who is desperate to find answers to three crucial questions, believing that knowing these answers will guarantee his success in life. The story follows his earnest search and his unexpected encounter with a humble hermit, ultimately revealing that true wisdom often lies in the simplest of actions and observations.

The story begins with a king who firmly believes that if he can only know the answers to three questions, he will always succeed in his rule and never fail. These questions are: 1. What is the right time to begin something? 2. Who are the most important people? 3. What is the most important thing to do? He announces a great reward for anyone who can answer them. Many learned people come to his court, but their answers are varied and contradictory, leaving the king unsatisfied.

Determined to find real answers, the king decides to visit a wise hermit, who is known for his wisdom and for living a simple life, meeting only common folk. Disguising himself as an ordinary man, the king travels to the hermit's dwelling. He finds the old hermit digging in his garden. The king presents his questions, but the hermit, though listening, continues his work without speaking.

The king, seeing the hermit's old age and fatigue, offers to help him dig. He spends a long time digging, but the hermit remains silent. As evening approaches, the king repeats his questions. Just then, a wounded man runs out of the woods, holding his stomach. The king and the hermit immediately attend to him, dressing his wounds and carrying him into the hermit's hut.

When he wakes, the wounded man apologizes to the king, revealing that he was an enemy who had come to kill the king in revenge. He explains that he saw the king with the hermit, realized his opportunity was lost, and was then wounded by the king's bodyguards. He vows loyalty to the king because the king saved his life. The king is overjoyed by this reconciliation. He grants the man forgiveness and promises to send his physician. Finally, the king asks the hermit for the answers one last time. The hermit tells him that he has already found the answers through his actions.

The King: Initially Curious and Eager for Knowledge: He genuinely wants to be a good ruler and believes in the power of knowing the 'right' way to do things. Determined and Humble: He doesn't give up when court scholars fail him. He is willing to disguise himself and do manual labor (digging) to get the answers, showing a humility unusual for a king. Compassionate and Practical: His immediate response to the wounded man, without knowing who he is, demonstrates his inherent kindness. He acts on instinct to help, which turns out to be the most important 'action.' Transformation: He learns that wisdom isn't just about abstract answers, but about applying compassion and presence in daily life.

The Importance of the Present Moment: The hermit's answers emphasize that 'the most important time is NOW.' We can only act in the present, and it's the only time we have power. The Importance of People: 'The most important person is the one you are with at a particular moment.' Every interaction holds significance, as we never know what impact we might have on someone's life, or they on ours. The Importance of Action (Kindness and Service): 'The most important thing is to do good to that person.' The story highlights that selfless acts of kindness and service to those around us are the most valuable and meaningful actions we can perform.