THE COSSACK

The Cossack

And everything was going so well.

But if you're a compassionate, caring person -- you can't accept selfishness. It's a duty -- a calling -- to look out for others. To be a true Christian -- you have to be charitable -- otherwise, it's all empty ritual.

Okay, so the farmer might have failed the test when he meets the sick Cossack on the road and wants to share some cake but lets his wife convince him to give him nothing. The farmer, however, realizes he messed up and sends someone to help the Cossack. Most importantly, he begins to understand that his wife might not be the person he imagines her to be.

Here is where the farmer, Tortchakov, plays the wrong hand. Fix the problem. You're not happy with your wife-- then talk to her or end the marriage. And if you're not happy with your own state of mind -- work it out. Start behaving more charitably. Spend your time helping your neighbors. Good deeds.

Naturally, this advice is hard to swallow when you're depressed. The incident shocked Tortchakov, who is a decent man, and could very well have gotten him so down that he lets his life unravel.

Beware of the sick Cossack that could appear anywhere or any other person which tests you and illuminates the true nature of your life.

Or you could simply stop caring.