"Tolstoy, Leo - The Emperor's Three Questions" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tolstoy Leo)

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