How Much Land Does a Man Need? By Leo Tolstoy (Easy Language Version)

Pahom was a poor farmer. He lived peacefully with his wife, but he always felt unhappy because he had very little land. He believed that if he had more land, he would have no problems in life.

One day, Pahom heard that land was cheap in a nearby village. He sold his small property and bought more land. For some time, he felt happy. But soon, he again started thinking, “This land is not enough.”

Later, he heard about a tribe called the Bashkirs, who were selling land very cheaply. Their rule was simple: A man could get as much land as he could walk around in one day, from sunrise to sunset. But he had to return to the starting point before sunset, or he would get nothing.

Pahom was excited. Early in the morning, he started walking fast to cover more land. He kept going farther and farther, thinking, “I must get more land.”

As the sun began to set, Pahom realised he was very far from the starting point. He ran back with great difficulty. He was tired, thirsty, and weak.

Just before sunset, Pahom reached the starting point—but he collapsed and died from exhaustion.

Moral of the Story (Easy Words)

Human greed has no end.

Desire for more can destroy happiness and life.

A man needs very little land in reality.

Contentment is the key to a peaceful life.

⭐ One-line Moral (for exams):

A man needs only six feet of land after death; unlimited greed brings destruction.