The Emperor's Three Questions
by Leo Tolstoy
One day it occurred to a certain emperor that if he only
knew the answers to three questions, he would never stray in any
matter.
1. What is the best time to do each thing?
2. Who are the most important people to work with?
3. What is the most important thing to do at all times?
The emperor issued a decree throughout his kingdom announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward. Many who read the decree made their way to the palace at once, each person with a different answer.
In reply to the first question, one person advised that the emperor make up a thorough time schedule, consecrating every hour, day, month and year for certain tasks and then follow the schedule to the letter. Only then could he hope to do every task at the right time. Another person replied that it was impossible to plan in advance and that the emperor should put all vain amusements aside and remain attentive to everything in order to know what to do at what time. Someone else insisted that, by himself, the emperor could never hope to have all the foresight and competence necessary to decide when to do each and every task, and what he really needed was to set up a Council of the Wise and then to act according to their advice. Someone else said that certain matters require immediate decision and could not wait for consultation, but if he wanted to know in advance what was going to happen he should consult magicians and soothsayers.
The responses to the second question also lacked accord. One person said that the emperor needed to place all his trust in administrators, another urged reliance on priests and monks, while others recommended physicians. Still others put their faith in warriors.
The third question drew a similar variety of answers. Some said science was the most important pursuit. Others insisted on religion. Yet others claimed the most important thing was military skill.
The emperor was not pleased with any of the answers, and no reward was given.
1. What is the best time to do each thing?
2. Who are the most important people to work with?
3. What is the most important thing to do at all times?
The emperor issued a decree throughout his kingdom announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward. Many who read the decree made their way to the palace at once, each person with a different answer.
In reply to the first question, one person advised that the emperor make up a thorough time schedule, consecrating every hour, day, month and year for certain tasks and then follow the schedule to the letter. Only then could he hope to do every task at the right time. Another person replied that it was impossible to plan in advance and that the emperor should put all vain amusements aside and remain attentive to everything in order to know what to do at what time. Someone else insisted that, by himself, the emperor could never hope to have all the foresight and competence necessary to decide when to do each and every task, and what he really needed was to set up a Council of the Wise and then to act according to their advice. Someone else said that certain matters require immediate decision and could not wait for consultation, but if he wanted to know in advance what was going to happen he should consult magicians and soothsayers.
The responses to the second question also lacked accord. One person said that the emperor needed to place all his trust in administrators, another urged reliance on priests and monks, while others recommended physicians. Still others put their faith in warriors.
The third question drew a similar variety of answers. Some said science was the most important pursuit. Others insisted on religion. Yet others claimed the most important thing was military skill.
The emperor was not pleased with any of the answers, and no reward was given.
Your Challenge
Apply this decree to your contemporary world, and answer the three questions posed by the Emperor. With your team, discuss and form a reputable response. Type it, revise it, proofread it in a word document. Then post it at the Three Answers for Three Questions Wiki.
1. What is the best time to do each thing?
2. Who are the most important people to work with?
3. What is the most important thing to do at all times?
When all responses have been posted, we'll revisit the wikispace, read each other's work, and compare the answers to the ending of Tolstoy's short story.
1. What is the best time to do each thing?
2. Who are the most important people to work with?
3. What is the most important thing to do at all times?
When all responses have been posted, we'll revisit the wikispace, read each other's work, and compare the answers to the ending of Tolstoy's short story.
The Rest of Tolstoy's Story
1. Read the ending of The Emperor's Three Questions. What do you think?
2. Revisit the Three Answers for Three Questions Wiki and read your classmates responses.
3. Lastly, post your thoughts and reactions to Tolstoy's story or your classmates' answers back at the Three Answers Wiki under the space titled "REFLECTIONS."
2. Revisit the Three Answers for Three Questions Wiki and read your classmates responses.
3. Lastly, post your thoughts and reactions to Tolstoy's story or your classmates' answers back at the Three Answers Wiki under the space titled "REFLECTIONS."
Image Sources:
Tolstoy on Bench: www.websters-dictionary-online.com/images/wiki/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/L.N.Tolstoy_Prokudin-Gorsky.jpg/200px-L.N.Tolstoy_Prokudin-Gorsky.jpg
Tolstoy in painting by Ilya Repin: http://www.abcgallery.com/R/repin/repin89.html
Manuscript: http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98671/98671,1180965981,2/stock-vector-seamless-vector-texture-based-on-manuscript-leo-tolstoy-3445284.jpg
Tolstoy on Bench: www.websters-dictionary-online.com/images/wiki/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/L.N.Tolstoy_Prokudin-Gorsky.jpg/200px-L.N.Tolstoy_Prokudin-Gorsky.jpg
Tolstoy in painting by Ilya Repin: http://www.abcgallery.com/R/repin/repin89.html
Manuscript: http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98671/98671,1180965981,2/stock-vector-seamless-vector-texture-based-on-manuscript-leo-tolstoy-3445284.jpg