In the story “Two Brothers” by Leo Tolstoy two brothers find a stone that tells

them they can find happiness if they overcome several challenges. The decisions that the
brothers make about the prospect of finding happiness lend special insight into the
distinct personalities of the two brothers. The elder brother is mature and cautious about
the suggestion on the stone that they will find happiness if they follow its instructions.
He lists the many reasons that they should be wary of the stone’s promise of happiness.
He states that, “In the first place, no one can know whether what is written on this stone
is the truth-perhaps it was written in just.” (p, 308) The elder brother’s maturity makes
him question the validity of the message and the dangers that await them if they pursue
this happiness. In addition, he is cautious when he suggests, “In the third place, even if
we swim across the river, do you think it is an easy thing to take her cubs away from a
she-bear? She will seize us, and instead of finding happiness, we shall perish, and all for
nothing.” (p. 308) The elder brother realizes the life-threatening danger that searching
for instant happiness would bring. The elder brother’s decision to make his own
happiness shows a level of maturity that his younger brother had not achieved. In the
end, the story proves that individuals must decide what is right for them and what makes
them happy in their own lives.