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NCERT Textbook: Three Questions
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Page 1 1 Before you read A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are the questions? Does the king get what he wants? Three Questions I —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he knew three things. These three things were: What is the right time to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is the most important thing for him to do? The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom, promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these three questions. Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and T Page 2 1 Before you read A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are the questions? Does the king get what he wants? Three Questions I —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he knew three things. These three things were: What is the right time to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is the most important thing for him to do? The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom, promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these three questions. Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and T 8/HONEYCOMB always do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action. But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent. These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore, would have to go to magicians. In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most necessary to the king were his councillors; others said, the priests. A few others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the most necessary. To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet others religious worship. As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and went on alone. As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the ground in front of his council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ councillors: members of the council ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life wood/woods: a small forest Page 3 1 Before you read A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are the questions? Does the king get what he wants? Three Questions I —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he knew three things. These three things were: What is the right time to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is the most important thing for him to do? The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom, promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these three questions. Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and T 8/HONEYCOMB always do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action. But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent. These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore, would have to go to magicians. In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most necessary to the king were his councillors; others said, the priests. A few others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the most necessary. To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet others religious worship. As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and went on alone. As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the ground in front of his council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ councillors: members of the council ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life wood/woods: a small forest THREE QUESTIONS/9 hut. He greeted the king and continued digging. The hermit was old and weak, and as he worked, he breathed heavily. The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what affairs are the most important?” The hermit listened to the king, but did not speak. He went on digging. “You are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work in your place.” “Thanks,” said the hermit, giving the king his spade. Then he sat down on the ground. ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ affairs: things; matters; business ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ Page 4 1 Before you read A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are the questions? Does the king get what he wants? Three Questions I —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he knew three things. These three things were: What is the right time to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is the most important thing for him to do? The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom, promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these three questions. Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and T 8/HONEYCOMB always do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action. But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent. These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore, would have to go to magicians. In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most necessary to the king were his councillors; others said, the priests. A few others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the most necessary. To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet others religious worship. As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and went on alone. As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the ground in front of his council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ councillors: members of the council ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life wood/woods: a small forest THREE QUESTIONS/9 hut. He greeted the king and continued digging. The hermit was old and weak, and as he worked, he breathed heavily. The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what affairs are the most important?” The hermit listened to the king, but did not speak. He went on digging. “You are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work in your place.” “Thanks,” said the hermit, giving the king his spade. Then he sat down on the ground. ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ affairs: things; matters; business ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ 10/HONEYCOMB beds : small patches of ground for plants ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ fainted: lost consciousness When the king had dug two beds, he stopped and repeated his questions. The hermit gave no answer, but stood up, stretching out his hand for the spade, and said, “Now you rest, and let me work.” But the king did not give him the spade and continued to dig. One hour passed, then another. The sun went down behind the trees, and at last the king stuck the spade into the ground and said, “I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me no answer, tell me so and I will return home.” “Here comes someone running,” said the hermit. Comprehension Check 1. Why did the king want to know answers to three questions? 2. Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom (i) to fetch wise men. (ii) to find answers to the questions. (iii) to look for the wise hermit. (iv) to announce a reward for those who could answer the questions. Mark your choice. II The king turned round and saw a bearded man running towards them. His hands were pressed against his stomach, from which blood was flowing. When he reached the king he fainted and fell to the ground. The king and the hermit Page 5 1 Before you read A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are the questions? Does the king get what he wants? Three Questions I —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– —————– he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he knew three things. These three things were: What is the right time to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is the most important thing for him to do? The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom, promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these three questions. Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and T 8/HONEYCOMB always do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action. But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent. These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore, would have to go to magicians. In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most necessary to the king were his councillors; others said, the priests. A few others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the most necessary. To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet others religious worship. As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and went on alone. As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the ground in front of his council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ councillors: members of the council ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life wood/woods: a small forest THREE QUESTIONS/9 hut. He greeted the king and continued digging. The hermit was old and weak, and as he worked, he breathed heavily. The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what affairs are the most important?” The hermit listened to the king, but did not speak. He went on digging. “You are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work in your place.” “Thanks,” said the hermit, giving the king his spade. Then he sat down on the ground. ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ affairs: things; matters; business ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ 10/HONEYCOMB beds : small patches of ground for plants ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ fainted: lost consciousness When the king had dug two beds, he stopped and repeated his questions. The hermit gave no answer, but stood up, stretching out his hand for the spade, and said, “Now you rest, and let me work.” But the king did not give him the spade and continued to dig. One hour passed, then another. The sun went down behind the trees, and at last the king stuck the spade into the ground and said, “I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me no answer, tell me so and I will return home.” “Here comes someone running,” said the hermit. Comprehension Check 1. Why did the king want to know answers to three questions? 2. Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom (i) to fetch wise men. (ii) to find answers to the questions. (iii) to look for the wise hermit. (iv) to announce a reward for those who could answer the questions. Mark your choice. II The king turned round and saw a bearded man running towards them. His hands were pressed against his stomach, from which blood was flowing. When he reached the king he fainted and fell to the ground. The king and the hermit THREE QUESTIONS/11 removed the man’s clothing and found a large wound in his stomach. The king washed and covered it with his handkerchief, but the blood would not stop flowing. The king re-dressed the wound until at last the bleeding stopped. The man felt better and asked for something to drink. The king brought fresh water and gave it to him. By this time the sun had set and the air was cool. The king with the hermit’s help carried the wounded man into the hut and laid him on the bed. The man closed his eyes and lay quiet. The king, tired by his walk and the work he had done, lay down on the floor and slept through the night. When he awoke, it was several minutes before he could remember re-dressed: dressed again ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ ________________ _______________ _______________Read More
FAQs on NCERT Textbook: Three Questions
| 1. Who wrote "Three Questions" and what is the story really about? |  |
Ans. Leo Tolstoy wrote "Three Questions," a philosophical tale about a king seeking answers to three fundamental questions about life. The story teaches that the present moment is the most important time, the most important person is whoever you're with, and the most important action is helping others. These lessons emerge through the king's encounters with a hermit and unexpected events.
| 2. What are the three questions the king asks in Tolstoy's story? | |
Ans. The king's three questions are: what is the right time to begin doing things, who are the most important people to pay attention to, and what is the most important occupation. These questions drive the narrative forward. The hermit doesn't answer them directly with words but demonstrates the answers through real-life situations, showing how prioritising the present moment and serving others reveals life's true purpose.
| 3. Why does the king visit the hermit in the forest? | |
Ans. The king visits the hermit seeking wisdom about life's most pressing dilemmas. He believes the hermit possesses secret knowledge that will guide his decisions and rule effectively. Through this journey into the forest, the king undergoes a personal transformation. The hermit's unconventional teaching method-using action rather than philosophy-ultimately provides deeper insight than the king expected.
| 4. How does the hermit answer the three questions without using words? | |
Ans. The hermit responds through lived experience rather than direct explanation. When the king helps an injured man and later reconciles with his enemy, he discovers the answers embedded in these actions. This teaching approach demonstrates that understanding comes from doing, not listening. Students recognise how actions speak louder than abstract philosophy in Tolstoy's narrative structure.
| 5. What is the main message of "Three Questions" for Class 7 students? | |
Ans. The central message emphasises living mindfully in the present moment and prioritising compassion toward others. The story conveys that authentic wisdom emerges from practical kindness rather than theoretical knowledge. For Class 7 learners, this NCERT textbook extract encourages self-reflection about values, relationships, and meaningful living-themes crucial for developing emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning during adolescence.
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