In this story by Leo Tolstoy, two devout brothers who have dedicated their lives to helping the needy react very differently to finding a heap of gold. One leaps aside and runs away; the other takes it into town and puts it towards building and provisioning an asylum for widows and orphans, a hospital for the sick, and a hospice for the poor and pilgrims. Returning home penniless after basking in the praise of the townspeople, he is castigated by an Angel for allowing himself to be corrupted by the devil. Themes include religion, selflessness, brotherly love, temptation, hubris.
Many may disagree with the story’s conclusion. The second brother appears to have had no ulterior motive in putting the gold to good use, and certainly would have helped many more people than he could have if he had reacted like his brother. His “sin” appears to be tarrying in the town and rejoicing in the townspeople’s praise after the work was completed.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (1,050 words)