This is summary and adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s story, “The Three Questions”.

It once occurred to a powerful but overly busy king that if he always knew the answers to just 3 questions he would always do the right thing.   The questions were; 1. When is the right time?  2. Who are the right people  to listen to,  and above all… 3. What is the most important thing to do? 

He asked the wisest in his kingdom for their insights but found was that everyone answered differently. 

In reply to the first question; When to do something, many said he must plan diligently.  Others said it was more important to be open and flexible with change.   Still others said no one person could decide the best time to decide things and should therefore establish a wise council to assist.

The answers to Who was most important were just as varied: the king’s counsel, the warriors, priests, children.

The third question, the What  answers were different too; build strong armies, get a good education, care for family or indulge in pleasure.

The King decided to go to a hermit who lived alone in the woods and was known to be the wisest of all around. The king helps the frail hermit dig holes that he is in the process of digging when the king arrives. He asks the hermit  his questions.  The king works very hard and provides the old hermit with some well-needed rest.  As the king is digging, a man runs out of the woods bleeding to death.  The king immediately helps the dying man – tending to his wounds and pouring water into his mouth.  After saving the man, the exhausted king falls asleep, too tired to discuss his queries.

When he awakens, the king is surprised when the man he saved begs for forgiveness. The man explains that he had come to kill the king to avenge his brother who had been killed by the king’s men.Because the king was digging, and had left his guard in the woods, the guard was in the woods to catch and stab  the intended killer before he could hurt the king.  The saved man now pledged his entire family’s unbending loyal service in gratitude to the king.

The king asks the hermit again to answer his questions before he leaves.  How do I know:

1. When is most important time to do something?
2. Who is most important person?
3. What is most important thing to do?

The Hermit replies:

“If you had not pitied my weakness and helped me dig, that man would have attacked you. At best, you would have repented of not having stayed with me. So the most important time was when you were digging the beds.  I was the most important man at that time and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards,  the most important time was when you were saving the dying man, for if you had not he would have died without having made peace with you. So then, he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business.

The answers are before you:

1. 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.
2. The most important person?  Is the one you are with.For none of us  knows what is to come next.
3. The most important What to do?  Is to care! Care about the person you are with and that which you are currently doing!

So the answers to those important questions:

1. When? NOW!
2. Who? The one you’re with.
3. What?  Care about what you are doing and who you are with!