Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy

A king seeks wisdom and believes that if he can answer three questions—When is the right time to act? Who are the most important people? What is the most important thing to do?—he will never fail. After seeking answers from sages, he finds them through a simple act of kindness while helping a wounded man. The plot is short and parabolic, with a clear moral at its heart. Tolstoy emphasizes compassion, presence, and humility. It’s a timeless philosophical tale in the form of a fable.