STORY OF THE DAY

A classic short story by Leo Tolstoy:

"The Death of Ivan Ilyich"

Ivan Ilyich, a high-court judge, lived a carefree life in St. Petersburg. He was married and had two children. One day, while hanging curtains, he fell and hurt his side.

At first, the pain was bearable, but it gradually worsened. Ivan visited various doctors, but none could diagnose the problem. As the pain intensified, Ivan became increasingly irritable and withdrawn.

His family and friends tried to cheer him up, but Ivan felt isolated and alone. He began to question the meaning of his life and the values he had pursued.

One day, Ivan had a profound realization: he had lived his entire life wrongly, pursuing wealth, status, and pleasure. He saw that true happiness and fulfillment came from living a simple, authentic life.

As Ivan lay dying, he felt a sense of peace and acceptance wash over him. He forgave himself and others, and let go of his attachment to worldly things.

Ivan's death was a transformative experience for those around him, particularly his young son, who wept uncontrollably over his father's lifeless body.

Tolstoy's poignant tale raises profound questions about the human condition, the meaning of life, and the nature of death.

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