How Much Land Does a Man Need? Short Story by Leo Tolstoy with a Truly Ironic Twist.
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- Опубліковано 20 чер 2024
- "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" is a short story by Leo Tolstoy that explores the theme of greed and its consequences. The protagonist, Pahom, is a peasant who becomes obsessed with acquiring more land, believing it will bring him happiness and peace. He eventually encounters a land deal offered by the Bashkirs, where he can own as much land as he can walk around in one day for a small price, but he must return to the starting point by sunset. Driven by greed, Pahom walks a great distance, but exhausts himself in his attempt to encompass as much land as possible. Ironic and apt twist ending.
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I remember reading this book as a young lad. The ending, has engraved itself in my mind, since that one day. So much wisdom in these books. Don't ever lose yourself. Yes, take risks, but don't lose what you have. Never.
At the end of ones life, I suppose one looks back and thinks, “what if…”, “if I had…”, “I should’ve…”. I think about this now and then as my parents in their 90’s passed away in the past 5 years. Their departure caused me to think more on the values of family, friends, enjoyment and meaningful work and experiences. My parents life example was having enough to be free from financial worry in order to pursue one’s interests, talents and enjoyment with the company of family and friends. But we live in a society continuously influencing us beyond our basic needs and one easily gets caught in the endless cycle of materialism and comparing ourselves to others.
When the sunset of our life arrives, what will our thoughts be?
Thank you for your wonderful comments. Best wishes
As a young boy I was required to deliver a speech to my Sunday School evening class. I chose as my subject “regret.” I cannot remember much of that speech delivered over 70 years ago. However, I have recalled the admonition I delivered to my assembled classmates and to myself. I said “do not stand at the end of life before a grave filled with regret. Live everyday as if you were preparing to stand before the throne of God and account for that moment of opportunity He has laid before you.” The theologian Francis Shaeffer wrote a book entitled “How Then Shall We Live?” James Dobson, of Focus on the Family, answered: “I have concluded that the accumulation of wealth, even if I could achieve it, is an insufficient reason for living. When I reach the end of my days, a moment or two from now, I must look backward on something more meaningful than the pursuit of houses and land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless I can recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to serve the God who made me. Nothing else makes much sense"
Wonderful story of greed & it's folly. In Ireland we have an old saying " 6 by 4 will do any of us " and nowadays there is a shortage of people to even dig the 6 by 4s , acres of land and no one to toil it because everyone too busy fighting over it.
What units of measurement are you using when you mention 6 by 4
6' by 4' enough for a your coffin!
Oh I see, feet then.
A can will do... for the ashes. Land is becoming a premium here in NZ. If the trend continues only the super rich will afford that 6 by 4. 😢
@@suchevski Feet. 12 inches a foot. It was an old time saying.
Thank you ! Oh , how I would like to have these treasures in hand , but you Sir are a mighty fine substitute . You have my ear .
Yes indeed..
What pleasure in wisdom read by a man whose voice carries it melodiusly. I tell everyone I know they must listen. Thank you dear one.
This one really hits hard on a personal level. My father began life during the great depression on a farm in the rural south but through his horse trading smarts and gamblers spirit was able climb his way up the ladder, but no matter what he had it was never enough. There was always one more big deal on the horizon and he was willing to risk everything for it. In the end he died with virtually nothing to his name. RIP pops❤
😂😂 Some Men never have enough. When your young, you work hard to achieve more, bigger house, fancier car. It’s not until you are older that you realize, less is more 😂😂
🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Appreciate these audios so much☺️
Brilliant Thank you for excellent presentation
You, sir, are doing a great work!
Have it all.. interesting, intriguing, and with points and lessons!
Entertaining and useful..great combination...!
A wonderful retelling of the Parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).
Awesome. I love this short story. 👍
Excellent , lesson to learn
Great story thank you 🎉
Wow! Great story. Thank you.
Wow! That was an excellent short story by Tolstoy. Greed is an ugly thing. The Bible is clear, be content with such things as you have.
Thank you.
Interesting way of making people understand that greed does not pay
Read translation in my language long time ago. Amazing!!!
The amount of land to make a living has grown too many times in two generations.
For health, we all need a clear 1.5 times our own height cubed.
This story really made me insecure during childhood... I thought money and desires for wealth is bad things.... I reject this thinking now
Six feet by three feet and six feet deep.
Or a can for the ashes😂😂😂
❤❤❤
"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold, land, or any materialistic desires."
"I came naked out of my mother's womb, and i shall depart naked from this world."
Jesus is my only hope. HE has all that I need in heaven in His very presence 🙏. Put your trust and faith in Jesus, and you will have a secure place in heaven when you pass away. My body will return to dust, but my soul shall return to God Almighty 🙏.
5 ads in 15 mins., lasting several mins. each is too much. Won't be back.
0 adds for me. If you use UA-cam many times, contribute and pay a membership as nothing is free. Everyone works hard so you may gain insight. Always be thankful not, not sour. Cheers!
Simply press skip and enjoy
What ads? Get premium.
@@catherinesinclair That's not easy when you are working or taking a nap. Just fork out a few bucks for premium.
BYE 😂😂😂