Leo Tolstoy

In a coffeehouse in Surat, India, a Persian theologian grapples with his lost faith in God, leading to a thought-provoking dialogue with his African slave who presents a contrasting belief. This encounter highlights the complexities of faith and reason, as well as the cultural diversity of belief systems. The story invites readers to reflect on the nature of divinity and the human condition.

In this legend, God observes that humans, initially created to live without work, have become unhappy and quarrelsome. To foster unity and happiness, He introduces the necessity of work, but ultimately finds that even this leads to division and strife among groups, prompting Him to conceal the knowledge of death to encourage a more meaningful existence.

In 'Three Questions', a king seeks answers to three fundamental questions that he believes will lead to success in all his endeavors. He consults various learned men, each providing differing perspectives on the right timing for actions, the most important people to engage with, and the essence of what truly matters in life, ultimately revealing the complexity of wisdom and decision-making.

In 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?', Tolstoy explores the contrasting lives of two sisters, one living in the city and the other in the countryside. Their conversation reveals themes of materialism versus simplicity, as the younger sister defends the peasant lifestyle against her elder sister's urban sophistication, highlighting the inherent anxieties of wealth and the value of a modest, stable life.

In 'God Sees the Truth, But Waits,' Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov, a young merchant, embarks on a journey to a fair, only to find himself wrongfully accused of murder. The story explores themes of fate, justice, and redemption as Aksionov navigates the trials of his imprisonment and the profound changes in his character.

In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', two young girls, Akoúlya and Malásha, play in a puddle after Easter, showcasing their innocence and the complexities of childhood interactions. Their playful splashing leads to misunderstandings and parental reprimands, highlighting the themes of innocence and the often harsh judgments of adults.