Leo Tolstoy's Short Story: The Two Brothers

The Two Brothers

• Two brothers find a stone with an inscription during their journey, which instructs the finder to enter the forest at sunrise, swim across a river, take bear cubs from a she-bear, and run up a mountain to find happiness.

The Brothers' Debate

• The younger brother is eager to follow the instructions, while the elder brother is skeptical and advises against it, citing four reasons: uncertainty of the stone's truth, the danger of getting lost, the difficulty of swimming across the river and taking the cubs, and the unknown nature of the happiness promised.

The Younger Brother's Persuasion

• The younger brother counters his brother's objections, arguing that they have nothing to lose, that someone else might find the happiness if they don't try, and that not trying would be a sign of fear.

The Elder Brother's Caution

• The elder brother responds with two proverbs: "In seeking great happiness small pleasures may be lost" and "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," emphasizing the value of stability over uncertainty.

The Younger Brother's Journey

• The younger brother sets out, finds the river, swims across it, takes the bear cubs, and runs up the mountain, where he is made king of a city.
• He rules for five years, but is eventually defeated and driven out by a stronger king.

The Brothers' Reunion

• The younger brother returns to his elder brother, who has lived a quiet life, and they share their experiences.
• The elder brother believes he was right to be cautious, but the younger brother prefers the memories and experiences he gained from taking the risk.

The Two Brothers

• Two brothers embark on a journey together and find a stone with an inscription that promises happiness if they follow the instructions.

The Instructions

• The instructions are to go into the forest at sunrise, swim across a river, take cubs from a she-bear, and run up a mountain without looking back.

The Brothers' Debate

• The younger brother wants to follow the instructions, believing they will lead to happiness.
• The elder brother is skeptical, citing four reasons:
  • The inscription may not be true or may be a joke.
  • It may be difficult to find the river and swim across it.
  • It may be dangerous to take the bear cubs from the mother.
  • The inscription does not specify what kind of happiness they will find.

The Younger Brother's Response

• The younger brother argues that they should try, as there may be no harm in attempting to follow the instructions.
• He believes that the inscription was written for a reason and that someone else will find happiness if they don't try.
• He also argues that without making an effort, nothing will succeed.

The Elder Brother's Proverbs

• The elder brother responds with two proverbs:
  • "In seeking great happiness small pleasures may be lost."
  • "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

The Younger Brother's Departure

• The younger brother sets off, following the instructions, and finds the river, swam across it, and takes the bear cubs.
• He runs up the mountain without looking back and finds happiness, becoming a king for five years.

The Aftermath

• The younger brother is eventually driven out of the city and becomes a wanderer again.
• He reunites with the elder brother, who has lived a quiet life in a village.
• The younger brother has no regrets, believing that he has experienced something memorable, while the elder brother has no memories.

A short story by Leo Tolstoy about two brothers who embark on a journey and find a mysterious stone with a message.