The Introduction
“What men live by?” is one of the greatest short stories written by Leo Tolstoy, published in the year 1885.
Leo’s writing did not just write a regular stories for his readers, but his writing reveals the philosophy of life.
Through this story “What men live by?” the author tries to reveal the three truths of man’s life.
In this story, the three truths were revealed by an Angel of God. He was punished by God for disobeying and not following orders. His wings were ceased and he was forbidden to heaven until he found the three truths.
The three truths that the God asked the angel to find were-
- What dwells in a man?
- What is not given to man?
- What men live by?
The Gist
The story begins with an introduction of a shoemaker whose name was Simon. He lived with his wife and children at a peasant’s house. He was very poor and could earn only for his food and living.
Simon wanted to buy a sheepskin to stitch a winter coat as he had just one coat that he shared with his wife. He saved little money which was not enough to buy sheepskin. So he left for the village to collect some more money that was owed to him by his customers. But sadly he didn’t receive the money required to buy the sheepskin.
While returning to his village disheartened, he noticed a man sitting motionless against the shrine without any clothes on him during freezing cold winter. He was unaware that the naked man was the Angel of God named Michael.
First, Simon did not want to concern himself with anything which would put him in trouble. Later his conscience struck him and he selflessly helped the man and covered him with his only coat and brought Michael along with him to his home.
Though Simon and his wife Matryona both did not wish to offer any help to Michael. But of kindness, they offered him food, cloth, and shelter. Michael’s face which looked anguish and miserable suddenly lit up with brightness when Matryona pitied him.
Michael lived with Simon for six years and learned his work and obeyed like a good workman. He never meddled with anything which was not of his concern. He ate little and worked all day. In those years he never smiled except for three times.
With every time he smiled, he found the answers to the questions. As he found all the answers he had to return to heaven.
He then revealed to Simon and his wife that he is an angel who was punished by God to live like a man until he found the three truths.
Now that he found the answers he bade the family a goodbye and rose to heaven.
The Review
By learning the three truth from this story, we understand that there is reason behind every action of God.
We often blame God for the misery that comes into our lives and at the same time do not understand his greatness when he pours his blessings. Our lives are intertwined by both misery and blessings and connect us to the people we live with.
What were the incidents at which the angel smiled and what were the answers to the three truths? Read – What Men Live By? And the story will give meaning to your life.
Like every other stories of Leo Tolstoy, this one also will touch your heart and soul.
About the Book
- The book is available as eBook and Audiobook on Storytel, eBook on kindly (free eBook), Hardcover and Paperback comprise of other popular stories in one book along with “What men live by?”
- You may find this title on this free eBook Site- Gutenburg.org (https://www.gutenberg.org/) or click on the direct link of this book https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6157